Magnetic Strength
You may need the help of a grown-up to help you hammer the magnet and to help you with the flame. This science project experiment can be done anytime, but make sure you practice safety all the time.
You will need the following materials:
2 equal sized and same shaped magnets
a box of paper clips
a hammer
metal tongs
rubber gloves
1 bunsen burner/ stove burner
Instructions:
Take on of the magnets and the box of paper clips. Put the magnet into the box of paper clips for two seconds and then pull it out.
Count out how many paper clips the magnet was able to attract. Record this number.
Ask a grown-up to take the magnet outside, and to hammer the magnet about five times on each pole of the magnet, and on each side of the pole if its a bar magnet.
Immediately after hammering, put the magnet back into the box of paper clips for two seconds and then pull it out.
Count out how many paper clips the magnet was able to attract this time. Record the number. Was there a difference from the first time?
Take the other magnet. Put the magnet into the box of paper clips for two seconds and then pull it out.
Count out how many paper clips the magnet was able to attract. Record this number.
Ask a grown-up to start a flame on the bunsen burner or on the stove and to put on rubber gloves.
With the metal tongs, the grown up should heat each side of the magnet for about one to two minutes on each side.
Allow the magnet to cool then put the magnet back into the box of paper clips for two seconds and then pull it out.
Count out how many paper clips the magnet was able to attract this time. Record the number. Was there a difference from before the magnet was heated?
Which magnet became weaker, the one that was hammered or the one that was heated?
Concept Explanation:
Heat and hammering are two factors that can affect magnetic strength. In this science project experiment, you will notice a slight change in number of paper clips, though the number may not be as drastic as you expected, especially when it comes to the heated magnet. Magnets usually lose their magnetic strength when they are heated beyond the point of their Curie level, and this is hard to achieve with a simple burner. The important concept of this science project experiment is to learn that magnetic strength can be affected by heat and hammering.
