PhET Solenoids

Solenoids
In this activity students will be exploring solenoids using the “Magnets &
Electromagnets” PhET simulation.
Open the simulation by clicking on the link:
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/magnets-and-electromagnets
Take a look at the explanatory video via YouTube:

https://youtu.be/gCFQ7HTO0XU
Learning Objectives
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By the end of these activities it is hoped that students will have an

acquired the following skills:
• Following explicit instructions to gain acquired knowledge.

• Exploring magnetic fields in current carrying wires
• What is the relationship between magnetic field strength and
number of loops?
Activity 1: Exploring magnetic fields in a current carrying wire.
1 Author: Simon Lees 2017

- Set up the scenario as shown in the diagram
opposite with one loop, a compass and the
voltage on the battery switched to 0V.
- Move the voltage to the right to 10V and you

will see the electrons moving.
- Using your arrow move the compass around the solenoid loop in an
anticlockwise direction.
- What do you notice happens to the red end of the needle?

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- Now move the voltage switch to the far left. You will notice that the terminals
have changed. Start with the compass on the left and move it anticlockwise
around the loop.
- What do you notice happens to the red end of the needle?

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- Now remove the compass and click the show field button. Take a screenshot of
what you see with the voltage at 10V moved left or right and place in the space
below.
- Does the pattern look familiar if so

how?
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Screenshot of magnetic
____________________________ field
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________

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Activity 2: How is magnetic field strength affected by coil
number?
- Have a single loop chosen and also

choose the magnetic field meter and place
it in the position shown in the diagram
opposite.
- Turn the voltage to 5V by pushing the

slider in the battery to the right.
- Note the field strength by looking at the top number ONLY in the meter. Place
this number in table 1.
- Repeat this but for 10V and place the value in table 1.
- Now repeat for 5V and 10V but adding two loops and place the results in table
1.
- Repeat same process for 4 loops.

Table 1:
NUMBER 5V 10V
LOOPS
1
2
3
4
- What pattern do you notice between number of loops and magnetic field
strength
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- Now change the terminals by moving the slider to the left at 5V and 10V and do
the same process with the increasing the loops and measuring the field
strength. Place the data in table 2.
Table 2:
NUMBER 5V 10V
LOOPS
1
2
3
4
- Is the magnetic field strength affected in the same way as the data
collected in table 1.
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- Come up with a basic relationship that links number of loops and

magnetic field strength.
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As you increase the voltage the current increases.
- What is the relationship using the data collected in table 1 and 2 between
current and magnetic field strength?
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A number of loops of wire now constitutes a solenoid.

SUMMARY:
- Complete table 3 to show what must happen to increase/decrease

magnetic field strength, B.

Increase B Decrease B
Number of loops
Current
- Research from the internet or from class how else you can increase the
magnetic field strength of a solenoid
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PhET Solenoids

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Solenoids

Take a look at the explanatory video via YouTube:

By the end of these activities it is hoped that students will have an

• Following explicit instructions to gain acquired knowledge.

1 Author: Simon Lees 2017

- Move the voltage to the right to 10V and you

- What do you notice happens to the red end of the needle?

- What do you notice happens to the red end of the needle?

- Does the pattern look familiar if so

2 Author: Simon Lees 2017

- Have a single loop chosen and also

- Turn the voltage to 5V by pushing the

- Repeat same process for 4 loops.

3 Author: Simon Lees 2017

- Come up with a basic relationship that links number of loops and

A number of loops of wire now constitutes a solenoid.

- Complete table 3 to show what must happen to increase/decrease

4 Author: Simon Lees 2017

5 Author: Simon Lees 2017

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