| Physics for the Inquiring Mind [Phys 105] Fall 2003 |
[1] In your kit are two spring scales. Note that they are calibrated to read the strength with which you are pulling on them.
[2] With one group member holding one of the spring scales and a different group member holding the other one, hook the ends of the scales together. In this configuration, each of the scales will be reading the strength with which the person holding it is pulling. One group member should now try to pull on the scales, while the other tries not to pull back. What happens?
[3] Compare the readings on the two scales as you vary the strength with which each group member pulls.
[4] Given 2 permanent magnets, a magnaprobe, and a meter stick, develop a method for comparing the strengths of the poles of the two different magnets. That is, be able to figure out which magnet has stronger poles.
[5] Using the method that you developed in part [4] above, determine which of your three types of magnets has the strongest poles. Determine also which has the weakest poles.
[6] Now come up with a quantitative definition for the strength of the pole of a magnet. Quantitative means that this definition should allow you to assign a number to each pole, and that this number should represent the pole's strength. Your definition should be an operational one - that is, you need to give me sufficient information so that I could use your method and come up with the same strengths that you did.
[7] As Homework for Tuesday (Hey - I got it right!), do Exercise 3.2A on page 284, Problem 2.1 on page 317, and Problem 2.3 on page 317.