Physics Research Assignment - Solonoids
Uploaded by lioannid on Oct 09, 1999
Summary of Investigation
An investigation was carried out to find out the relationship between the force created in a wire (or solenoid) when current flowed through it and the force from gravity. This was investigated by connecting a solenoid up to a variable power pack and then placing a light ring of either copper or aluminum around the solenoid. When the current flows through the solenoid, a magnetic force created from the solenoid should make the ring 'jump' up or levitate. When carrying out the experiment, the assumption was made that there will be some movement from the ring when current starts flowing through the solenoid and thus a magnetic field will be present. However, the results of the experiment did not back up this assumption in any way. No magnetic force was observed in any of the experiments carried out.
Introduction
Electromagnetism is the study of the relationships between magnetism, and electricity. It was found by Hans Oersted, that when an electric current flows in a wire, the current creates a magnetic force around this wire. It is also known that a solenoid produces a considerably large amount of magnetic force when a current flows through it (diagram 1.1 ). By using a solenoid and some small, light rings of copper and aluminum, it is said that the ring when placed over the solenoid when current is flowing will 'jump' up and sometimes levitate if the force of the magnetic field equals that of the earth's gravitational force.
Aim
The main objective of this experiment is to investigate the relationship between gravitational energy and electric and magnetic energy. This will be achieved by attempting to suspend a light ring of copper and/or aluminum around a solenoid with a current passing through it. The only presumption is that if the ring is unable to be levitated (due to lack of power), there will still be movement and the ring will jump up from the base of the solenoid.
Method
The circuit used first (see diagram 2.1) was made up of a small solenoid. The solenoid was constructed using a small pencil, bound with electrical tape and copper wire wound around it to a length of 13cm. Zinc plated washers were first used in the circuit using a DC voltage. Because DC voltage was being used, the ring was expected to 'jump' only when the circuit was switched on and off.
All voltages on the power supply were...