Wooden block with attached paper clip, plates, granite block, magnet.
Magnetic Shielding Demo Close up

 

Code Number: 5H10.61

Demo Title: Magnetic Shielding

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Magnetic Field Measurements

Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism

Equipment: 

Wooden block with attached paper clip, plates, granite block, magnet.

Procedure:

Suspend the magnet from a stand and adjust the height so that the paper clip is suspended below the magnet with about a 1/4" gap.  Place the desired material between the paper clip and the magnet and observe what happens.

The materials we have for this are:

  • Granite
  • Glass
  • Mirror
  • Lead
  • Masonite
  • Iron
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Tin
  • Fiber Glass

References:

  • Robert J. Fitzgerald, "New Lows for <agnetic Shielding", Physics Today, July 2015, p. 16.
  • Robert J. Reiland, Laboratory Activity 4: "Penetration of Magnetic Fields Through Matter", Teaching About Magnetism, p. 3.19.
  • Charles Vivian, "Make a Razor Blade Climb", Science Experiments & Amusements For Children, p. 73.
  • Martin Gardner, "The Levitated Paper Clip", Science Tricks, p. 51
  • Martin Gardner, "88, A Crawling Paper Clip", Smart Science Tricks, p. 130.
  • Janice VanCleave, "59, Flying Frog", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 93.
  • Janice VanCleave,  "Keeper",  Physics for Every Kid, p. 54.
  • Janice VanCleave, "11, Protector", Magnets, p. 44.
  • Janice VanCleave, "3, Straight Through", Magnets, p. 12.
  • James Cunningham and Norman Herr.  "Magnetic Potential Energy",  Hands-on Physics Activities with Real-Life Applications, p. 285.
  • Janice VanCleave's Physics for Every Kid, "16, Suspended Airplane",  p. 62.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "Magnetism Exceeds Gravity", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 49.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "Can Magnetism Be Shielded by Nonmagnetic Materials", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 69.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "Magnetic Shielding", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 70.
  • Herb Strongin, “Making a Pin Float in Air“, Science on a Shoestring, p. 131.
  • Herb Strongin, “Fishing for the Truth“, Science on a Shoestring, p. 134.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, “Force at a Distance“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 122.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, “Magnetic or Nonmagnetic - That's the Question!“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 288.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q222 & A222, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 68 & 116.