Eh-6 Paramagnetism and Diamagnetism
Aim
To demonstrate paramagnetism and diamagnetism.
Apparatus
- Aluminium sample
- Bismuth sample
- Electromagnet
- 10 Amp Power supply
- Bell Jar
- Camera
Description
A cylindrical sample of Aluminium and Bismuth is suspended from a fine cotton thread so that the sample is located in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. A bell jar surrounds the apparatus to reduce the effect of disturbing air currents. When the magnetic field is applied the samples tend to orient themselves to minimise their potential energy. The diamagnetic material (Bismuth) will have an induced moment anti parallel to the field direction and will move toward a region of weaker field strength. The paramagnetic material (Aluminium) will have an induced moment parallel to the field direction and will move toward the region of stronger field strength at the tapered tip.