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Magnetic Poles

Where are the poles of a bar magnet? A horseshoe magnet? A spherical or irregular magnet?

Tools
Magnetometer

Try this

Acquire a collection of regular and irregularly-shaped strong magnets. Use the Magnetometer tool to determine where the poles of the magnets are. You might be surprised to find where they are located!

Challenge yourself

  • Using data from the surface of the magnet, attempt to sketch the magnetic fields lines produced by each type of magnet.
  • Acquire a refrigerator magnet. How does the magnetic field of the “front” face compare to the “back” face of the magnet? Where are its poles located?

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