1. The stack of magnets works as one big bar magnet. Do the poles change when you divide the magnet into pieces?
2. In step 3 of the experiment, do both sides of the magnet attract the metal surface? Explain how a single magnet can repel the rest of the stack, but still stick to the other surface.
3. How does the magnet attract something that is originally non-magnetic?
1. Describe the direction of the compass needle as you moved it around the bar magnet. Which direction did the needle point? How far away did the compass have to be?
2. Which end of the magnet is the south end and which is the north end? How do you know?
3. Make a sketch of the lines formed by the iron filings below. How does this compare to your prediction?
1. In what direction will the magnetic field travel through the nail? Predict this using the right hand rule and the direction of current flow (positive terminal to negative on the battery).
2. From your answer in Question 1, which end will be the north pole of your electromagnet, and which one will be the south? Remember, the direction of the magnetic field is outward from the north pole and inward toward the south pole.
3. Make a sketch of the magnetic field lines for your electromagnet.