PURPOSE: To demonstrate the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field.

DESCRIPTION: A wire (reinforced by a plastic tube) passes between the pole tips of a strong magnet. When the key is pressed so that current flows in the wire, the wire jumps out from between the pole tips. Reverse the current in the wire or tu rn the magnet upside down to investigate other geometries.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES:

EQUIPMENT: Suspended wire assembly with battery and key, strong horseshoe magnet.

SETUP TIME: None.

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