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Magnet Experiment: making fluids solid.
Introduction
Turning a liquid in to a solid is easy. Just put water in a tray and freeze it. But how about using a magnet? This magnet experiment will show you how you can make a fluid solid in seconds.
Materials
1.Corn oil.
2.Iron filings.
3.Magnets - strong permanent.
4.Clear container.
Method
1.Mix (by weight) 25 part oil and 100 parts iron filings in a clear container. An old aspirin bottle or small test tube is ideal.
2.Stir mixture so that the iron filings are well distributed throughout the fluid.
3.Place magnet at least 15 cm from container.
4.Gradually move the magnet closer to the container.
Horseshoe magnets - place container within magnet.
Two bar magnets - place opposite poles on each side of the container.
One bar magnet - place one pole on the side of the fluid.
5.Fluid should be stirred regularly each time the magnet is moved.
6.Observe what happens to the fluid.
Background Information
Mixture like the corn oil and iron filings are known as magnetorheological fluids. In the past the ability to change from a fluid to solid has been used as the basis of a braking system.
You can find more information on these fluids a
SMARTsite:magnetorheological Fluids
Space.com
Experimental Ideas
Compare different strength magnets.
Compare different types of oil (vegetable and mineral).
Compare different types of metal and vary the size of the particles.
Compare permanent magnets and electromagnets
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