AMORC Experiments in Magnetism (1952)

8/11/2019 AMORC Experiments in Magnetism (1952)

1/20

EXPERIMENTS IN MAGNETISM


2/20

AMORC Labora tori um Unit Number One-C-

Page One

Prepared By The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC

EXPERIMENTS IN MAGNETISM

Preliminary Instructions.

You will find accompanying these instructions as a supplement, a com plete list of all equipment supplied in this laboratorium. Included

with the supplement you will also find a list of illustrations, which provide pictorial representations of the various items and the equip ment. Before you commence with your experiments check over this list

and make certain that you are well acquainted with the appearance of the various objects. This procedure will avoid later misunderstandings.The materials supplied have been carefully checked by our laboratory staff before they were placed into the laboratorium.

You will note that in addition to the articles supplied you, it will be necessary for you to obtain a large glass or porcelain bowl, filled with water, and a few other items. These materials were not included

because they are either available in your home or are easily purchased at your local store at a very small cost. Another reason why we did not include them is that their inclusion would have raised the price of packing and shipping. It has been our aim to provide you with yourlaboratorium at the lowest possible cost.

After you have checked your equipment and have become quite familiar with it, read the Introduction on pages two, three, and four. This concise introduction will acquaint you with the fundamental laws and principles of magnetism, most of which you will be verifying in your experiments .

As soon as you have completed your study of the Introduction you will be well prepared to commence with your experiments. For a workbench

select a large steady wooden table. Remove from this table all metallic objects which might disturb your experiments by their magnetism.It is suggested that your working table should be absolutely empty before you start. Place the items which you require upon this table.There should be no other objects upon it aside from your materials and these instructions. This procedure will aid you in keeping system and order. Before you commence any experiment, first read through the entire text pertaining to the experiment which you intend to perform, sothat you are thoroughly familiar w ith the procedure. Obtain a small notebook into which you can record your observations for future reference .

A.t the end of most experiments you will find a list of questions. Thesequestions have been added to stimulate your thinking. DO NOT SEND THE

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE GRAND LODGE. The instructions provided with this laboratorium are complete. The purchase of this laboratorium does not carry with it any privilege of writing for further information. However, if you should desire such information, send sucha question to the librarian of the Rosicrucian Research Library, who will answer you, subject to the procedure and nominal charge estab

lished for this purpose.


3/20

AMORC Laboratorium Unit Number One-C-

Page Two

When you have completed an experiment you will find it helpful to re place the various objects into their envelopes, unless they are needed

in the following experiment. Remember the Rosicrucian Law: "System and Order."

Study the various laws and principles of magnetism, as stated in your Monographs. You will find the indexes, supplied by the Rosicrucian

Supply Bureau, of great help in locating this information. Also read the article "The Magnet " in the Rosicrucian Manual. This will provide additional help in your magnetic studies.

INTRODUCTION

The study of magnetic phenomena is of special importance to us as Rosi- crucians, because they visually demonstrate in the simplest possible

manner the behavior of objects which are in a polarized condition. It is the fact that a polarized object is able to affect the space sur

rounding it, creating what is known as a "field of force" or "aura,"

which makes such phenomena, worthy of our special attention and study.It is for this reason that the AMORC LABORATORIUM No. 1 is devoted to the study of magnetism.

As an introduction to the various experiments which the student is to perform we state, with extreme brevity, the fundamental laws of magnetism.

It can be shown that certain substances such as iron, cobalt, nickel, and some of their ores and alloys have the power of attracting other small pieces of the same substances. This force of attraction, requiring apparently no material medium through which to act, is called a "magnetic" force; and the objects which are capable of exerting such a

force are called "magnetic" objects, or simply "magnets." Substances which can be magnetized, using proper procedures, are also called "ferromagnetic." A ferromagnetic substance is a substance which is strongly attracted by a magnet. It also shows the property commonly known as "retentivity." This is the ability of a magnetized substance to retain its magnetism.

There are other kinds of magnetism beside ferromagnetism. But these other types are too weak to be observable under ordinary conditions, and we shall not be concerned with their properties in this brief introduction.

When a magnet is examined it is found that its magnetic properties (its ability to attract) are concentrated at definite regions or centers of the magnet. These regions are called the "poles" of the magnet. Every magnet possesses at least two poles.

When a magnet is suspended by a string so that it can swing freely then it will be observed that it moves in such a manner that the line between its strongest poles is approximately parallel to the geographic north-south direction. No matter how the magnet is moved, it will always swing back into this alignment. That pole of the magnet which

points toward the geographic north pole is called the "north-seeking" pole, or the "north pole," while the other pole of the magnet is called

the "south-seeking" pole or the "south pole." Due to the fact that a


4/20

magnet, when allowed to swing freely, will always align itself along the same direction, it may be used as a compass.

The north and south poles of a magnet are of equal strength. When any magnet is broken into two pieces, then each part becomes a complete mag

net, having a north pole and a south pole. No one has ever been able

to discover or produce a magnet with only a single pole. This fact hasled to the theory that each of the molecules, of which a ferromagnetic substance is composed, may be considered as being a very small elementary magnet. When a ferromagnetic substance is in an unmagnetized state, all these elementary magnets are oriented at random, thus neutralizing their effects, while in a magnetized object these elementary

magnets are all oriented along the same direction; that is, all north poles are pointing together, and similarly for the south poles.

It has been mentioned above that every magnet possesses two distinct polarities: a north pole and a south pole. Usually these poles are

located near the ends of the magnet, but that is not always necessary.

The magnetic poles obey the fundamental law of polarities, which is: Unlike polarities attract; like polarities repel one another. Using this law the polarities of an unknown magnet may be tested and deter

mined by observing the attractions or repulsions which occur when this unknown magnet is brought into the neighborhood of a second magnet, the

polarities of which are known.

There are three methods by means of which an unmagnetized ferromagneticsubstance may be magnetized. These methods are (1) by frictional contact (see experiment 4), ( 2 ) by the method of magnetic induction (see experiment 14), (3) by means of an electric current (see experiment H 8 ).For a description of these methods consult the experiment indicated within the brackets. In each of these methods a magnet is created which possesses two distinct poles.

Iron and steel are the only two common substances which are ferromagnetic and thus attracted by a magnet. Certain kinds of ferromagnetic substances are able to retain their magnetism and become permanent magnets. The ability of a substance to retain its magnetism is called the"retentivity." Soft iron has a low retentivity; steel possesses a highretentivity.

A magnetic force is able to act through many substances, such as paper, cardboard, or glass. However, iron acts as an effective magnetic

screen if it completely encloses the substance which is to be screened.

Each magnet is able to affect the space surrounding it and subject any other ferromagnetic substance to its influence. Thus a magnet creates what is called a magnetic "field" or an "aura." When iron filings are sprinkled around a magnet these filings align themselves under the action of the magnetic field, affording in this manner a very clear objective picture of the magnetic field. Various combinations of magnets will produce different types of fields. Pictures of such fields are

provided In this manual and also in the Rosicrucian Manual. They also afford interesting pictures, showing how the aura due to one magnet may

be modified by the presence of a second magnet.

-c-

AMORC La bo ra to ri um Unit Nu mb er One Page Three


5/20

There are three ways in which the magnetism of an object may be destroyed: (1) extreme heat, (2) great mechanical strains and jars, and (3) the application of an alternating current. It is the last method which is commercially used in demagnetizing objects.

This concludes the brief introduction into the laws and principles of magnetism. For further study the student should consult any textbook

on general physics, where he will find much additional information which will be of interest to him in his Rosicrucian studies.

-c- AMORC La bo ra tor iu m Unit Nu mb er One Page Pour

OUTLINE OF EXPERIMENTS

Experiment No. 1

It Is the purpose of this experiment to demonstrate that (a) a lodestone has the power to attract small pieces of iron, (b) the magnetic force is concentrated at certain definite regions of the lodestone,

called the "poles."

Materials: Large sheet of paper. Iron filings. Lodestone. (See A,B, and C on pictorial list for illustrations of equipment.)

Procedure: Place a large sheet of paper upon the table. Open the bottle which contains the iron filings and spread two tea

spoonfuls of the filings upon the sheet of paper. Now takethe lodestone and immerse it completely within the iron filings, so that all of its sides are touched and nearly covered with the filings. Remove the lodestone and inspectit carefully.

Results: You will note that the iron filings stick to the lodestone,demonstrating that such a stone has the property to attractsmall pieces of iron. At the same time you will observe that the filings cling more densely to certain spots of thestone than to others. This demonstrates that this force ofattraction, or "magnetic" force, is concentrated at definite regions. These regions are called the "poles" of the

magne t .

Questions: 1. How many poles does your lodestone possess?

2. What are the directions in which the various particles

of iron point? Do these various directions provide additional clues as to the nature of the magnetic force?

Note :

s/iy Experiment

When you have completed this experiment scrape the iron filings from the lodestone and pour all the iron filings

back into the bottle, to be used in future experiments.

No. 2

It is the purpose of this second experiment to demonstrate that when a lodestone is suspended freely then it will rotate into such a position that its strongest poles will line themselves up along the geographic


6/20

AMORC La bo ra to riu m Unit Number One-C-

Page Five

Experiment No . 2 (Continued)

north-south direction. The lodestone thus serves as a "leading stone" or a magnetic compass.

Materials: Lodestone. Sheet of paper with iron filings. String. White sheet of paper. Pen and ink. (See A, B, C, F on pictorial illustration sheet for pictures of the equipment.)

Procedure: Draw a straight line upon a sheet of paper--about four inches long. Mark one end of the line "North" and the other end "South."

Determine the geographic north-south direction in your room. Then place the sheet of paper which you have pre

pared so that the line drawn upon it coincides with the geographic north-south direction.

Next dip the lodestone into the iron filings. This will provide you with a clear indication of the location of its poles. (See experiment 1)

Fasten a string around the lodestone. The string should beso tied around the stone that the strongest poles are horizontal and remain so. (See figure 1, Experiment Illustrations) Hold the free end of the string with your hand, about half way up. Let the stone hang freely from the string above the north-south line which you have just drawn.

Make certain that the stone does not touch any object and also be sure that no other magnetic objects are located in

the vicinity of the stone.Results: You will observe that the stone will line itself up along

a definite direction. Note the location of the strongest poles. Turn the stone slightly and observe that it will

swing back into its former position.

Questions: 1. How does the direction of your north-south line on the paper agree with the position of the strongest poles?

2. Where are the weak poles located?

3. How could you construct a compass, using this arrange ment?

Note : When you have completed this experiment scrape the iron filings from the lodestone and pour all iron filings back into the bottle.

Experiment No. 3

The purpose of this experiment is to find the poles and the neutral region of a horseshoe magnet.

Materials: Sheet of paper. Iron filings. Horseshoe magnet. (See D,B, C on pictorial list of equipment.)


7/20

Experiment No. _3 (Continued)

Procedure: Place a sheet of paper upon the table. Open the bottlecontaining the iron filings and spread the filing upon the

pape r .

Remove the horseshoe magnet from its wrapper. Remove the small cross bar (also called the "keeper"), which protectsits ends.

-c-

AMOR C Labo ra to ri um Unit Number One Page Six

Immerse the magnet completely--all sides and ends--in the ixon filings.

Pick up the magnet with the filings clinging to it and inspect it carefully.

Results: You will observe that the filings cling firmly to the twoends of the magnet. These are the two centers of magneticattraction of the magnet and are called the "poles." You will also note that practically no filings cling around thecurved part of the magnet. This region is called the "neutral region" of the magnet.

This experiment demonstrates that the poles of a horseshoe magnet are located at its ends and that there is no magnet

ic force of attraction at the center of the magnet.

Question 1. How could you use the horseshoe magnet as a compass?

2. Why is it not practical to use it as a compass?

Note :

'/Experiment

When you have completed the experiment, remove the filingsfrom the magnet and return them to the bottle.

No. 4

The purpose of this experiment is to show how an unmagnetized object, made of steel, may be magnetized by frictional contact.

Materials: Paper with iron filings. Horseshoe magnet. One unmagnetized steel needle. (See C, B, D, E on illustration sheetof equipment.)

Procedure: Remove the steel needle from the package, and immerse itsfull length into the iron filings. Observe that the filings will not cling to the needle, demonstrating that it isnot magnetized.

Now place the needle upon the table. Take the horseshoe magnet (remove the keeper) and, holding it in your hand, place one of the poles upon the end of the needle. (See

figure 2, of experiment illustrations) Nrv rub the pole along the needle until you reach the needle*s other end.

Make certain that only one pole of the horseshoe magnet touches the needle.


8/20


Remove the horseshoe magnet from the needle, and place the pole back where you first touched the needle. Rub the

needle once more. Repeat this procedure, rubbing the steel

needle with the same pole of the horseshoe magnet and always rubbing in the same direction. Do NOT, rub the needle back and forth.

Repeat this procedure for approximately ten minutes. Now cover the steel needle with the iron filings. Remove the needle and inspect it carefully.

You will observe that the filings cling to the two ends of the needle. This demonstrates that the needle has become

magnetized and that it now possesses two poles, one at eachend. You will also observe that there is a neutral region

between the two poles.

What would occur if the needle were rubbed with both poles of the magnet touching it simultaneously?

Upon completion of the experiment, remove the iron filings from the needle.

Experiment No. 5

The purpose of this experiment is to locate the North and South poles of a magnet.

Materials: Magnetized steel needle of experiment 4.. Wooden block.Copper staple. String. Two small paper squares, one blue,the other red. Pen and ink. Nail. Sheet of paper, with a pencil line, marked "North-South," prepared in experiment2. (See E, G-, H, F, I, J, K, C of pictorial list of equip

ment .)

Procedure: With pen and ink mark the blue paper square on both sideswith the capital letter "N" and also mark the red square with the capital letter "S." Pierce two small holes through the top of the squares so that they may be attached to the steel needle. (See figure 3)

Take the copper staple and push it firmly into the top of the wooden block. (See figure 4)

Again determine the geographic north-south direction in your room. Place the sheet of paper upon which you have drawn the pencil line (See experiment 2) upon the table in such a manner that the line drawn upon the paper coincides with the geographic north-south direction.

Now pierce the magnetized needle lengthwise through the wooden block until the block is situated at the center of the needle. Fasten a string to the staple and hold this

-c- AMOR C La bo ra to rium Unit Nu mber One Page Seven

Results:

Question:

Note :


9/20

Experiment No. 4 (Continued)

Remove the horseshoe magnet from the needle, and place the pole back where you first touched the needle. Rub the

needle once more. Repeat this procedure, rubbing the steelneedle with the same pole of the horseshoe magnet and always rubbing in the same direction. Do NOT, rub the needle back and forth.

Repeat this procedure for approximately ten minutes. Now cover the steel needle with the iron filings. Remove the needle and inspect it carefully.

You will observe that the filings cling to the two ends of the needle. This demonstrates that the needle has become

magnetized and that it now possesses two poles, one at eachend. You will also observe that there is a neutral region

between the two poles.

What would occur if the needle were rubbed with both poles of the magnet touching it simultaneously?

Upon completion of the experiment, remove the iron filings from the needle.

Experiment No.

The purpose of this experiment is to locate the North and South poles of a magnet.

Materials: Magnetized steel needle of experiment 4. Wooden block.Copper staple. String. Two small paper squares, one blue,the other red. Pen and ink. Nail. Sheet of paper, with a pencil line, marked "North-South," prepared in experiment2. (See E, G-, H, F, I, J, K, C of pictorial list of equip

ment .)

Procedure: With pen and ink mark the blue paper square on both sideswith the capital letter "N" and also mark the red square with the capital letter "S." Pierce two small holes through the top of the squares so that they may be attached to the steel needle. (See figure 3)

Take the copper staple and push it firmly into the top of

the wooden block. (See figure 4.)

Again determine the geographic north-south direction in your room. Place the sheet of paper upon which you have drawn the pencil line (See experiment 2) upon the table in such a manner that the line drawn upon the paper coincides with the geographic north-south direction.

Now pierce the magnetized needle lengthwise through the wooden block until the block is situated at the center of the needle. Fasten a string to the staple and hold this

-c- AMORC La bo ra to ri um Un it Nu mb er One Page Se ve n

Results:

Question:

Note :


10/20

Experiment N o. J 2 (Continued)

AMORC Laborato rium Unit Number One-C-

Page Eight

string in such a manner that the needle may move freely in space. Push the needle back and forth in the block until the needle swings horizontally. Hold the string in your hand and let the needle swing freely in space.

Results; You will observe that the needle lines itself up along the geographic north-south direction. The pole which is pointing toward the geographic north is called the "north-seeking ," or north pole. The pole which is pointing toward thegeographic south is called the "south-seeking," or south

pole. Attach the blue square, marked "N" to the north poleof the needle, and attach the red label, marked "s" to the south pole of the needle. (See figure 5)

Questions; 1. What is the magnetic polarity of the geographic north pole?

2. Does the geographic north pole coincide with the corresponding magnetic pole? (Hint; use the law of

polarity, experiment 7 .)

Note: After the experiment has been completed remove the stringfrom the staple.

Experiment No. 6

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate that the north and south poles of a magnet are of equal strength.

Materials; Large bowl with water. Use the same magnetized steelneedle, with labels and cork, just used in experiment 5 .

Procedure: Remove the string from the staple. Float the magnetized needle with its wooden block in a nonmetallic (glass or

porcelain, rubber) bowl of water. Make certain that the needle does not touch the edges of the container. Use a container large enough for needle to turn in. Have a depthof water of at least two inches.

Results: Observe that the needle lines itself up along the geographic north-south direction. Thus, in this arrangement the needle serves as a simple magnetic compass.

Also observe that the needle, once it has assumed the north-south direction remains perfectly quiet. This proves that the magnetic force which acts upon the north pole is equal to the magnetic force acting upon the south pole. The needle is perfectly balanced. Hence it follows that the north pole and the south pole of a magnet are equal in strength.

Questions;


11/20


2. Bring the end of the steel needle near the wall of the bowl. Do you observe an attraction between bowl and

needle? Is this attraction due to cohesion, or is it due to adhesion?

Note: This arrangement of the needle floating in the bowl ofwater will serve as an indicator of magnetism in future experiments. Such an arrangement is also called a "Magnetoscope." This arrangement will be used in experiments 7, 8, 10, l6, and 17.

Experiment No . 7

The purpose of this experiment is to verify the fundamental law of polarity: Like polarities repel; unlike polarities attract one another.

Materials: Magnetoscope of experiment 6. (Magnetized needle withlabelled polarities, floating within a bowl of water.) Un magnetized steel needle (E). T w o paper squares (I, J), one blue, the other red. Wooden block (G). Copper staple (H).

Pen and ink. String (F). (The capital letters placed in parenthesis refer to the pictorial list of illustrations.)

Procedure: Magnetize the second steel needle, using the method ofexperiment 4.

Pierce the needle through the wooden block to which a staple has been attached and determine the needles north and south poles, following the procedure of experiment 5*

Attach a label, marked "N" and another marked "S" to the proper poles of the needle. Follow the method outlined in

experiment 5. Remove the string and the staple. You now possess two magnetized steel needles, the polarities of

which have been determined.

Approach the south pole of the floating magnetic needle with the north pole of the other steel needle. Note the result. (See figure 6.)

Approach the north pole of the floating magnet with the north pole of the steel needle. Note the result.

Results: Observe that when the south pole of the floating magnet isapproached by the north pole of the steel needle there manifests an attraction between the two poles. This demonstrates the first law of polarity: Unlike polarities attract one another.

Also observe that when the north pole of the floating magnet is approached by the north pole of the steel needle,

then the two poles tend to move apart. This proves the second law of polarity: Like polarities repel one another .

-c- AMORC La bo ra to ri um Un it Number One Page Nine


12/20

AMORC La bora to rium Unit Number One-C-

Page Ten


Questions: 1. What should occur if the north pole of the floating magnet is approached by the south pole of the other

steel needle?

2. Verify your conclusion by the proper experiment.

Experiment No , 8

The purpose of this experiment is to find the north and the south pole of the horseshoe magnet, using the law of polarities.

Materials: Magnetized steel needle, properly labelled, floating withina bowl of water (Magnetoscope of experiment 6). Horseshoe

magnet (D) . Pen and ink.

Procedure: Set up the magnetoscope, as described in experiment 6.

Take the horseshoe magnet and approach the north pole of the floating magnet with one of the poles of the horseshoe magnet .

Observe whether an attraction occurs, or whether there manifests a repulsion.

Pierce the needle through the wooden block to which a staple has been attached and determine the needle's north and south poles, following the procedure of experiment 5 .

Attach a label, marked "N" and another marked "S" to the proper poles of the needle. Follow the method outlined in

experiment 5* Remove the string and the staple. You now possess two magnetized steel needles, the polarities of

which have been determined.

Approach the south pole of the floating magnetic needle with the north pole of the other steel needle. Note the result. (See figure 6.)

Approach the north pole of the floating magnet with the north pole of the steel needle. Note the result.

Results: Observe that when the south pole of the floating magnet isapproached by the north pole of the steel needle there

manifests an attraction between the two poles. This demonstrates the first law of polarity: Unlike polarities attract one another.

Also observe that when the north pole of the floating magnet is approached by the north pole of the steel needle, then the two poles tend to move apart. This proves the second law of polarity: Like polarities repel one another.

Questions: 1. What should occur if the north pole of the floating magnet is approached by the south pole of the other

steel needle?


13/20

AM OR C Labo ra to ri um Unit Number One-C-

Page Eleven


2. Verify your conclusion by the proper experiment.

Experiment N o . 9

The purpose of this experiment is to find the north and the south pole of the horseshoe magnet, using the law of polarities.

Materials: Magnetized steel needle, properly labelled, floating within a bowl of water (Magnetoscope of experiment 6). Horseshoe

magnet (D). Pen and ink.

Procedure: Set up the magnetoscope, as described in experiment 6.Take the horseshoe magnet and approach the north pole of the floating magnet with one of the poles of the horseshoe

magnet.

Observe whether an attraction occurs, or whether there

manifests a repulsion.

Results: If there occurs an attraction, then the pole of the horseshoe magnet under consideration is a south pole. If a repulsion occurs then the pole of the horseshoe magnet is a north pole. Write the name of the proper polarity with ink upon each pole of the horseshoe magnet.

Repeat the experiment, using the other pole of the horseshoe magnet.

Experiment No. 10

To show that when a magnet is broken into two parts, then each part becomes a complete magnet, having two opposite poles.

Materials: Unmagnetized steel needle ( e ). Paper with iron filings (B).Horseshoe magnet (D). Floating magnet of experiment 6. '(Magnetoscope).

Procedure: Magnetize the steel needle by the method of frictional contact of experiment 4.

Locate its north and south poles by means of the method of experiment 9.

Verify that it possesses a neutral region in the center by dipping it into the iron filings on the paper. Iron filings will be found to cling to the ends of the needle but not to the middle.

Now carefully break the needle into two parts. Place both halves of the needle into the iron filings and note that each half now possesses two poles.

Determine the nature of each of the four poles by means of the method of experiment 9.


14/20

AMORC La bo ra to ri um Unit Number One-C-

Page Twelve


Resul t: It is seen that when a magnet is broken into two parts each part becomes a complete magnet, having a north pole and a

south pole. No one has ever been able to construct a magnet with only a single pole.

Questions: 1. What would occur if each of the two new magnets were broken into two parts? Perform this experiment.

2. Imagine that this process of breaking a magnet into two parts is repeated over and over' again. If this were

done we would finally arrive at the smallest magnetic unit of which any magnetic substance is composed. You

might visualize it as being a polarized molecule, having a north and a south pole. When a magnetic substanceis magnetized, all the north poles of the molecular

magnets point in the same direction, while all south poles point in the opposite direction. Draw a picture

of a magnetized steel bar and show why the magnetic force is apparently concentrated at the ends of the

magnet, and why there is a neutral region in the center.

Experiment No. 11

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate that extreme heat destroys the magnetic force.

Materials: Magnetizes steel needle (E). Paper with iron filings (C and B) . Needle holder (L). Wire frame (M). Gas burner (or any device producing a hot flame).

Procedure: Remove the colored labels from the magnetized steel needle prepared in experiment 7 Also remove the wooden block.

Place this needle into the needle holder so that the holderis at the center of the needle. Using the holder, heat the needle in a gas flame until the entire needle becomes red hot. (See figure 7A). (Be EXTREMELY careful not to burn yourself or your clothes!!). As soon as the needle becomes red hot on one side, turn the needle around until the otherside becomes red hot. It is not necessary that the entire needle is red hot at any one time. Remove the needle from the flame and place the needle with its holder upon the wire frame. (See figure 7B). Allow the needle to cool for

at least 1 5 minutes.

After the needle has completely cooled, place It into the iron filings and see whether they cling to either pole.If the needle still exhibits any residual magnetism it shows that the needle was not heated long enough.

Results: It will be observed that the magnetism of the steel needle has completely disappeared. Thus it follows that the application of heat is one method used to demagnetize an object.


15/20

Experiment No. 3_1 (Continued)

-c-

AMORC Labo ra to ri um Unit Number One Page Th irteen

Question: What are some of the other methods commonly used to demagnetize objects?

Experiment No. 12

The purpose of this experiment is to show that iron and steel are the only two common materials that are attracted by a magnet.

Materials: Horseshoe magnet (D). Small pieces of iron, steel, copper, wood, and glass (N).

Procedure: Place the pieces listed above in a row upon the table. Ap proach each piece in turn with one of the poles of the

horseshoe magnet, after having removed the keeper. Observe whether any attractions are produced.

Results: The only two objects which are attracted by the magnet are steel and iron. The others are not magnetic.

Experiment No. 13

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate that a magnetic force is able to act through many substances.

Materials: Horseshoe magnet (D). Paper with iron filings (B and C). Sheets of paper (C) and of cardboard (0). Thin glass plate (P).

Procedure: Sprinkle some iron filings upon a sheet of paper. Next cut a small sheet of paper about 2 inches square and place it

over the poles of the horseshoe magnet after removing its

keeper. Hold this combination of magnet and paper over the iron filings so that the paper lies between the iron filings and the poles of the magnet. The paper must touch the

poles and be close to the filings. Look beneath the top paper and observe that the filings cling to the paper at

the regions of the magnetic poles.

Repeat this experiment, using the sheet of cardboard and also the thin glass plate.

Results: It is observed that the magnetic force is able to penetrate the sheet of paper, cardboard and the thin glass plate.

Ques tion: What would occur if a thin sheet of iron were used instead of the paper? Try it.

Experiment No. 14

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate that an unmagnetized piece of iron or steel, when placed into contact with a magnet, will

itself become a magnet.

Materials: Horseshoe magnet (D). Three small nails ( q ). Paper withiron filings (C and B). Large nail (K).


16/20

AMORC La bo ra to ri um Unit Number One-C-

Page Fourteen


Part 1

Procedure: Attach the large nail to the horseshoe magnet in the mannerindicated in figure 8a. Pour some iron filings upon a sheet of paper and dip the tip of the nail (still attached to the magnet) into the filings.

Results: You will observe that the filings cling to the tip of thenail. (See figure 8b). Shake the nail and magnet (together) vigorously and note that the filings continue to cling to the nail. Now remove the nail from the magnet. Shake the nail. You will observe that the filings now drop to theground, demonstrating the nail now has lost its magnetism.

Part 2

Procedure: Test the three small nails by dipping them into the ironfilings, to make certain that they are not magnetized,. Then place the three small nail3 in a row so that the tip of one

nail touches the head of the succeeding nail. Place one poleof the horseshoe magnet in contact with the head end of the row. Slide the horseshoe magnet backward. (See figure 9)

Results: Observe that the magnet is able to pull the entire row ofnails, like a locomotive pulling a train. Lift the magnet from the table and note that the nails still cling to the

magnet, forming a hanging chain. Shake the magnet slightlyand observe that the chain will persist. This shows that the nails have become magnetic under the influence of the

horseshoe magnet.

Note: This method of magnetization is also called "magnetization by induction." A very strong magnet is required for a suc

cessful experiment.

It will also be observed that some of the nails will retainsome of their magnetism when the horseshoe magnet has been removed. This property of a substance to retain some of its magnetism is called its "retentivity." Soft iron possesses only a small retentivity while steel possesses a large retentivity.

Questions: 1. How could you determine the polarity of the nails?

2. What would be the magnetic polarity of the head and of the tip of each nail?

Experiment No . 15

It is the purpose of this experiment to demonstrate that a magnet is able to affect the space surrounding it, creating what is known as a

magnetic "field" or a magnetic "aura."

Materials: Horseshoe magnet (D). Iron filings (B). Sheet of paper (C).


17/20


-c- AMORC Labora torium Unit Number One Page Fi ft een

Procedure: Place the horseshoe magnet on the table upon a flat sheet of paper. (Remove the keeper). Now, very carefully, sprinkle the iron filings upon the sheet of paper close toand around the entire magnet. Note the pattern which is

produced by the filings, as they are aligned under the influence of the magnetic force. Tap the paper slightly withyour fingers to make the pattern more distinct. (See figure 10)

Results: The illustration, as provided in figure 10, shows the characteristic pattern which the iron filings form. This shows that a magnet is able to affect the empty space surrounding it.

Question: Would there be any change in the pattern formed if the poles of the horseshoe magnet were reversed? Why not?

Experiment No. 1$

It is the purpose of this experiment to determine the magnetic field oraura of a small bar magnet.

Materials: Small steel bar (R). Horseshoe magnet (D). Iron filings (B). Sheet of paper (C). Magnetoscope of experiment 6. Pen and ink.

Procedure: Magnetize the small steel bar by means of the method of

frictional contact of experiment k, using the horseshoe

magnet. Set up the Magnetoscope, described in experiment 6, and determine the polarities of the ends of the small steel bar, using the method of experiment 8. Write the name of the proper polarity upon each end of the steel bar,using ink.

Now place the magnetized bar upon the table and proceed exactly in the same manner as in experiment 14. Place the

bar upon a sheet of paper and very carefully sprinkle the iron filings upon the sheet, covering the entire region around the bar magnet. Tap the paper with your fingers and note the pattern which is being formed by the iron filings which surround the magnet.

Results: The pattern which is produced will be similar to that illustrated by the dotted lines in figure 11.

Question: How will the direction of the earths magnetic field influence the pattern which is produced by the magnet alone?

Experiment No. 17

The purpose of this experiment is to study the various types of magnetic fields (auras) produced by the combination of two magnetized steel

bars .


18/20

AMORC Laboratoriura Unit Number One-C-

Page Sixteen


Materials: Same as in experiment 16. In addition, another small steel bar (R) will be required.

Procedure: Magnetize the second small steel bar and determine its polarities by the same methods used in experiment 1 6 . Write the name of the proper polarity upon each end of the

steel bar. Now look at figures 12a to 12g. On these diagrams you will note seven combinations in which the two small steel bars may be placed upon the sheet of paper.

For each of these seven cases place the magnets upon a sheet of paper in their proper positions (observe the correct polarities). Sprinkle the iron filings carefully uponthe sheet of paper in the space surrounding the magnets.Tap the paper with your finger and observe the patterns which are produced. Make a pencil sketch of each of the

magnetic fields.Results: A few of the various patterns which are formed are indi

cated in figure 12 by the dotted lines. They indicate how the space surrounding the magnets is affected by the aura of the magnets.

Ques tion: How do your pencil sketches compare with the illustrations provided in the Rosicrucian Manual? (Look up the chapter

dealing with "The Magnet"). Carefully note any difference between your sketches and these illustrations. If any dif

ferences do occur then they are due to the fact that the poles of your magnets have different strengths than the mag

nets used in the illustrations. Another factor influencingthe patterns is the distance between the two magnets. Place the magnets at different distances from one another and observe the changes which are produced in the patterns, although the basic designs will remain the same.

Experiment No. 18

The object of this experiment is to demonstrate the fundamental princi ples of electromagnetism.

Materials: 1 l/2 volt dry cell. Wire (S). Nail (K). Paper with ironfilings (C and B ) . 3 pieces or cardboard (T).

Part 1

Object: The object of this experiment is to show that an electric current generates a magnetic field.

Procedure : Test the nail, to make certain that it is not magnetized, by dipping it into the iron filings. Wrap the wire around

the nail so that the coils formed by the wire cover approximately 3/4 of the nail. Remove the insulation from the two ends of the wire. Now connect the ends of the wire to


19/20

AMORC Labora torium Unit Number One

Experiment

Result:

Part 2

Object:

Procedure:

Result:

Part 3

Object:

Procedure:

Results:

-0-Page Seventeen

No. _18 (Continued)

the two poles of the 1 1/2 volt dry cell. Dip the tip of the nail into the iron filings. (See figure 13.)

It is observed that the iron filings now cling to the tip of the nail, showing that the nail has become an electro magnet. Note also that the wire becomes hot. Be careful

not to burn your fingers! Disconnect the wire from the nail. Observe that the nail possesses retentivity.

The object of this experiment is to obtain a picture of the magnetic field produced by an electric current when flowing

through a straight piece of wire.

Unwrap the wire from the nail. Straighten the wire. Using the nail, puncture a hole through the center of a piece of cardboard and pierce the straight wire through this hole. Connect the ends of the wire to the two poles of the dry cell. (See figure 14.) Make sure that the wire forms a large rectangle, the longest side of which passes through the cardboard. Place a sheet of paper upon the table, underneath the piece of cardboard. Holding the piece of cardboard half way up, sprinkle a very thin layer of iron filings upon the piece of cardboard. Tap the cardboard with your fingers and observe the pattern which is formed around the wire.

It is observed that the iron filings arrange themselves in circles, with the wire located at their common centers.

The object of this experiment is to determine the magnetic field which is obtained when an electric current flows through a circular loop.

Pierce the wire through two points of a piece of cardboard, (about one inch apart). Arrange the wire so that it forms a circle, half of which is located above the cardboard, the other half being located below. (See figure 15) Place a

sheet of paper upon the table, underneath your magnet. Conrnect the ends of the wire to the poles of the dry cell. Sprinkle iron filings upon the cardboard, proceeding as in

part 2. Observe the pattern which is formed by the filings.

The pattern which is formed is indicated by the dotted lines in figure 15 It is seen that an electric current flowing through a circular coil produces a magnetic field which is the same as that produced by a single bar magnet, one of the poles being located on the right side of the coil, the other pole being located on the left side of the coil. In other words the magnetic field due to an electric


20/20

AMORC Labora torium Unit Number One

Experiment

Question:

Part 4

Object:

Procedure:

Result:

Question:

-C-Page Eighteen

No . 18 (Continued)

current flowing through a circular coil is identical with that of a bar magnet placed at the center of the coil, its axis being perpendicular to the coil.

By what method could you determine the polarities of the right side and the left side of the coil? Try it.

The object of this experiment is to find the magnetic field produced by an electric current flowing through a solenoid.

(Note: A solenoid is an extended coil, consisting of several windings, equally spaced. See figure 16.)

Consider figure 16. Puncture eight holes into the piece of cardboard, in two rows of four holes each. Thread the

wire through these holes in such a manner that the wire forms an extended coil, the windings being spaced at equal distances from one another. Such an extended coil is called as "solenoid." Repeat the procedure of part 3* us~ ing this coil.

The pattern formed by the iron filings is indicated by the dotted lines in figure I d . It follows that a solenoid is equivalent in its effects to a bar magnet, one pole being located at one end of the solenoid, while the other pole Is located at the opposite end of the magnet.

How could you determine the magnetic polarities of each end

of the solenoid? Try this experiment.

MJ 86 ll49

Documents

AMORC Experiments in Magnetism (1952)