Chuck Kalu

11/10/18
PHYS 2240 Section 507
Experiment 9: Magnetic Field in a Current Carrying Coil
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment is to guide students and compare changes in axial and
radial magnetic field components with respect to the position of the magnetic field sensor. My
team of lab partners performed magnetic field calculations using a short solenoid and a long
solenoid. Thus, this experiment taught us how to view and understand the axial field model and
the radial field model. We used formulas for magnetic field along a perpendicular axis for the
short and long solenoid. In our experiment, we found the center, east, and west to have positive
axial peak amplitudes and the east reversed to have a negative amplitude.

Introduction
This experiment is designed to explore the changes in axial and radial magnetic field
components. The method will involve using long and short solenoids with a magnetic field
sensor.The purpose of this experiment is to determine the differences and similarities these two
fields have.

The following equations were used in the conducting this experiment:

● B = initial (μN IR2 )/2(x2 + R2 )3/2

● Initial μ = 4π * 10−7 T m/A
● B = μnI
Apparatus
1. AC/DC Electronics Laboratory
2. Short Patch Cords
3. Rotary Motion Sensor
4. PASCO Capstone
5. Large Rod Base
6. Black Thread
7. Mass and Hanger Set
Procedure
1. Open signal generator and put the Magnetic Field Sensor probe into the coil
2. Zero the sensor by pressing the Tare button.
3. Within the Rotary Motion Sensor Properties, click Zero Sensor Now and set Output 1 to a
DC voltage of 5 V.
4. Insert the magnetic sensor probe through the solenoid and then record the results
5. Move the probe slowly out of the solenoid and continue until you are at the determined
distance.
6. Click stop and record the current values. Then open Data Summary and record the
current for the other positions
7. Switch the location of the resistors and repeat steps 3-6.
8. Then reverse the black and black cords and record your East Reversed Position.
9. Repeat the steps 3-6.
Data
Table 2: Current through Coil
Trial Coil Current Axial Peak Amplitude

Center .818 18.1

East .818 18.59

West .818 18.18

East Reversed .818 -18.6

Table 3: Bound Values

Model Magnetic Field Strength

Short Solenoid 20.29 mT

Long Solenoid 24.31 mT

Calculations and Graphs

The measured coil current for center, east, west, and east reversed resulted in values of .818
Amps for each respective position. The axial Peak Amplitude resulted in 18.1, 18.59, 18.18, and
-18.6 mT for each respective position. Following, the magnetic strength field for the short
solenoid was 20.29 mT and 24.31 mT for the long solenoid.
Discussion of Results and Errors
In this experiment, the first 3 runs were very similar when compared to each other. The
data implies the field points downward and the current flows clockwise. Thus, this implies that
the experiment results paralleled with the expected outcome, which means it was a success. The
reason east reversed was different from the other 3 is because the red and black cords were
switched which changed the input-output.

Conclusion
With the preceding data from the experiment, it can be shown that east reversed position
yielded a negative amplitude because the other positions were positive. Another takeaway is that
the right hand rule and magnetic field strength and axial peak amplitude show the field points
downward and allows the current to flow clockwise. Had the data been reversed, with east
reversed positive and the others negative, the field would point upward and rotate counter
clockwise.