Measuring Magnetic Fields

Most recent answer: 07/08/2009

Q:
Hi, I wanted to know how to measure the strength of a magnetic field, in the following set-up: a solenoid (soft iron core) attached to a battery. The solenoid is placed near a permanent magnet. The voltage of the battery is to be altered, and the strength of the magnetic field is to be measured quantitatively. Thank You
- Frank (age 16)
Sydney, AUstralia
A:
Hi Frank, 
You can either buy a commercial Gaussmeter or you can make one yourself for a lot less money.     Here is a website    http://www.coolmagnetman.com/magmeter.htm   that gives
a good set of instructions for making one.     I don't know if there are Radio Shack stores in Sydney but there should be something akin.   Good luck.

LeeH

(published on 07/08/2009)