Plotting magnetic lines of force using the Iron Fillings method
Let’s see how to plot magnetic lines of force using the Iron Fillings method.
- Place a sheet of paper on top of a bar magnet and sprinkle iron filings thinly and evenly onto the paper.
- Tap the paper gently with a pencil and the filings should form patterns showing the lines of force. (figures below)
- Each filing turns in the direction of the field when the paper is tapped.
- This method is quick but of no use for weak fields.