E&M > Magnetic Fields and Forces > Magnetic Fields

DCS# 5H10.31

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FERROFLUID

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APPARATUS

ferrofluid kit:     ferrofluid     magnet     aluminum pan     rubber gloves     pipette	202-20-B2
piece of steel or iron
piece of wood
video camera	202

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DESCRIPTION

Ferromagnetic fluid can be used to show the shapes of magnetic fields.

 

Place wood, steel or iron between magnet and cell to show the effects of materials of different magnetic permeability on the magnetic field.

 NOTES

 

Ferrofluid is messy and will stain skin and clothing.

Be careful when bringing magnets near ferrofluid; allowing fluid to come in direct contact with magnet will complicate clean-up.

Use pipette to transfer fluid to pan.  Use pipette or syringe to transfer it back to bottle.

Fluid will evaporate, so bottle should be capped when not in use.

Don't shake the display cell.

 

REFERENCES

 

Teaching General Chemistry:  A Materials Science Companion, Arthur B. Ellis et al. 1993 American Chemical Society.

www.ferrofluidics.com