Lab: Slinky Solenoid

Goal: Using a Slinky Solenoid, measure the permeability of free space

Materials and Procedure

Read through the procedures for measuring permeability using a slinky solenoid.

Materials

Because the cost of a magnetic field sensor is prohibitive, we will dry-lab this experiment, using data collected by other students. But if you really want to build your own magnetic sensor, there are instructions at Nuts & Volts, a do-it-yourself electronics magazine. It isn't actually all that hard to build your own.

Data Handling

Review the data presented in the lab description, and complete the analysis.

Report

1. Present your data in an organized form, preferably in a table, in such a way it is easy to compare results as you repeate trials or vary a specific contributing factor.
2. Show a sample calculation, if you have calculated values.
3. You may use a spreadsheet to calculate your information and create your table.
4. Summarize your results.
5. Draw conclusions about what is happening.
6. Suggest at least one way to improve your experiment.

Post your report to the Lab thread at the Moodle.

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