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This page from the Institute of Physics, aimed at algebra-based physics course level and above, features a straightforward tutorial on the force on a moving charge; an impressive demo called "Catapult Magnetic Field", and tips for leading class discussions on factors affecting electromagnetic force. Direction of force in a magnetic field can be a tough concept for even the brightest students. The Catapult Magnetic Field lab requires copper wire, "Magnadur" magnets (available for ~$15 for a set of 4), soft modeling plasticine, support blocks, and heavy cardboard, and iron filings. When electricity is applied to the system, the Magnadur magnets produce a uniform, parallel magnetic field. The current-carrying copper wire produces a circular magnetic field around itself. When the two fields are combined, the pattern produced by the iron filings indicates a complex field pattern. The wire will be "catapulted" from the stronger-to-weaker field.
This page is part of a larger collection from IOPSpark that presents findings from academic literature about the conceptions (and misconceptions) young people have regarding processes in the physical world. See Related Materials for a link to the full collection.
Next Generation Science StandardsMotion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (HS-PS2)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Types of Interactions (PS2.B)
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<a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=15996">IOPSpark. IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, January 11, 2021.</a>
AIP Format
(IOPSpark, London, 2021), WWW Document, (https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism).
AJP/PRST-PER
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism (IOPSpark, London, 2021), <https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism>.
APA Format
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. (2021, January 11). Retrieved May 2, 2025, from IOPSpark: https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism
Chicago Format
IOPSpark. IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, January 11, 2021. https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism (accessed 2 May 2025).
MLA Format
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, 2021. 11 Jan. 2021. 2 May 2025 <https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Title = {IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism},
Publisher = {IOPSpark},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {2 May 2025},
Month = {January 11, 2021},
Year = {2021}
}
Refer Export Format
%T IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism %D January 11, 2021 %I IOPSpark %C London %U https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism %O text/html
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %D January 11, 2021 %T IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism %I IOPSpark %V 2025 %N 2 May 2025 %8 January 11, 2021 %9 text/html %U https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. |
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