MAGNETIC MUSCLE

MATERIALS

Scissors
Ruler
String
One Bar magnet
Masking tape
Box of about 100 small paper clips
Large bowl

PROCEDURE

1. Cut 2 pieces of string, each about 1 meter long.
2. Tie one end of each string to each end of the bar magnet.
3. Tape the free ends of the strings to the top of a doorframe. Adjust height as necessary.
4. Ask, “Which part of the magnet do you think will attract paper clips the strongest?” Then, raise bowl full of paper clips so that the magnet touches the paper clips.
5. Slowly lower the bowl.
6. Observe what part of the magnet attracts the most clips.

EXPLANATION

Most of the clinging paper clips should be concentrated at or near the 2 ends of the magnet. All magnets are surrounded by an area called a magnetic field. This force moves from the north pole of the magnet, around the side, and into the south pole of the magnet. These magnetic force lines are closest together at the 2 poles, which give the 2 poles the strongest magnetic attraction.