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Physics 152 Setup Details:
Magnetic Fields
(click each photo for a larger image)
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Room Setup


 
Bar Magnet Stations (2)

Two templates are taped to the ends of the front-right bench.
Extra templates and magnets are placed in the center

The template used for magnet and compasses;
Note that compasses are face-down,
and point roughly in same direction!

Place bar magnet in center of compasses
 

Direction of B near north end of magnet
Small Coil Rig


Small coil rig, knife switch and DC power supply (set to 3.0 volts)
is placed on the back-left bench


Switch to allow easy reversal of current direction. Power is off with switch vertical.
Color code connections, and connect terminals labeled 'Battery In' to power supply

Compasses (face down!) point in direction of B with switch
in Direct position (coming in along the red wire)

Compasses point in direction of B with switch
in Reverse position (coming in along the black wire)

Place a compass inside of the coil to show
direction of B through the coil
 
Large Solenoid (Pasco Air Coil Solenoid)

The solenoid is set up on the back-left bench.
Place voltmeter on power supply, ammeter to the right

The current will be set to 3A;
note the connection of the wire to the 20A terminal

The Pasco Air Coil Solenoid. Connect the voltmenter to a pair of spade lugs
attached to the binding posts of the solenoid
Horseshoe Magnet - "Jumping Wire"


"Jumping wire" is set up on front-left bench with tap switch;
flip range switch UP (5A position)


Use the wire reserved for this experiment
 
Square Coil (B Around Straight Wire)

Square coil is on back-right bench
. Use LabVolt power supply;
connect to DC side; flip range switch UP (5A position)
Set knob to '5'

Tap switch to allow easy reversal of current

Note connections of double-tap switch. Color-code wires to banana connectors.
Connect power supply to "Bat.", and coil to 'App." Red connects to copper UP wire
 

Direction of compasses with power off
 
Square Coil
Compass direction when pressing Direct tap switch
(I down into board, B is clockwise)
Square Coil
Compass direction when pressing Reverse tap switch
(I up, out of board, B is counterclockwise)
Magneto 2– Old Computer Demo

Magneto 1 (left - dead hard drive) and 2 (right) are stored on shelf LL5.
The keyboard, mouse, and power cables for Magneto 2 are stored in the box at far right.

Use Magneto 2, an old PowerMac 7500

Press the button in the upper right corner to power on and off

Fun with magnets

Whoa!
Magneto I – Old Computer Demo
The hard drive of the original Magneto died during the Spring 2025 semester! RIP old friend

An old computer dubbed 'Magneto' is set up

Use the monitor for B field distortion

  Return To Setup Instructions


© St. Lawrence University Department of Physics
Revised: 28 Aug 25 Canton, NY 13617