Algebra-Based Physics: Magnetism and Magnetic Force

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Magnetism and Magnetic Force

This topic is broken into units to help in formulating cohesive, effective lessons. Clicking on each unit title below will display appropriate activities, lesson plans, or labs.

Unit materials are a subset of all possible materials available for this topic, selected especially with the new physics teacher in mind. You may instead browse all materials for this topic here.

Algebra-Based Physics Magnetism and Magnetic Force Units

Magnetic fields can be defined as the regions surrounding a magnet where a moving electric charge will feel a force of attraction or repulsion. Invisible magnetic field lines emerge from the North pole of a magnet and enter the South pole. Field lines can be visualized by sprinkling small iron filings over a magnet covered by a clear sheet of plastic. When a compass (or any freely floating bar magnet) points north, it is actually aligning its north pole to the Earth's magnetic south pole.

What is Magnetism? (4)

References and Collections:

Molecular Expressions: Electricity and Magnetism - Interactive Java Tutorials

This collection of 41 interactive java tutorials would be an excellent choice to connect physics to "real-world" applications. Designed by well-respected authors, the topics range from simulated magnetic fields and field lines to primers on capacitance, resistance, Ohm's Law, and electromagnetic induction. Included are simulations on how things work, such as vacuum tube diodes, cathode rays, capacitors, AC/DC generators, hard drives, pulsed magnets, and speakers. (Open Website)

Content Support For Teachers:

Oersted and the Discovery of Electromagnetism

People not familiar with magnetism often view it as a somewhat mysterious property of specially treated metals. (Open Website)

Ross Sheppard Physics 30: Electricity and Magnetism

This resource was created by high school teachers to provide colleagues with multi-media tools to aid students in concept building. The unit on Magnetism contains 33 items, ranging among interactive simulations, student tutorials, lecture notes, and short videos. All are classified within well-organized modules. (Open Website)

Student Tutorials:

NDT Resource Center: Magnetism Tutorial

This resource is a student tutorial on magnetism appropriate for middle school or 9th grade Physical Science. It is organized into sequenced headings that each contain interactive simulations and reflective questions. The first half of the tutorial gives students a conceptual framework to understand properties of magnets and magnetic behavior. The topics then broaden to include magnetic lines of force, magnetic field, electromagnets, electric motors, and galvanometers. (Open Website)

What Materials are Magnetic? (1)

Lesson Plans:

Magnetism

(Open Website)

The Earth as a Magnet (1)

Activities:

The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere

(Open Website)

Magnetic Fields (3)

Lesson Plans:

Current-Carrying Coils in Magnetic Fields Lab

This lesson contains instructions for conducting an inquiry-based lab to investigate current-carrying coils in magnetic fields. (Open Website)

Activities:

Magnetic Force on a Current-carrying Wire

This series of inquiry-based activities is designed for the beginning high school physics lab. Students explore the effect of an external field on a current-carrying wire in that field. Students need only very basic prior experience with concepts related to magnetism. Student study guides are included. (Open Website)

Molecular Expressions: Electricity and Magnetism - DC Generator Action

Perhaps the most important result of Faraday's experimentation was the discovery of the electric generator, which transforms mechanical energy into electric energy. This item is a simple interactive simulation that depicts voltage amplitude in a direct current generator. By moving the mouse on a slider, students can see how the frequency of the current is related to voltage and to the speed of the rotating coil. (Open Website)