If you have ever played with magnets, you quickly found out that each magnet has a north pole and a south pole. How would you like to make a magnet that has two north poles? You can, once you understand the science.
For this experiment, you will need:
several paper clips
two fairly strong magnets
a compass
a pair of wire snips
fine grade steel wool
We will start by making a normal magnet. Straighten out one of the paper clips. Hold it by one end and rub the south pole of one of the magnets along the paper clip, starting at your hand and moving towards the other end. Lift the magnet away from the paper clip and repeat the process ten times. You have now magnetized the paper clip. Lay the compass on a flat surface. Bring one end of the paper clip near the compass. Watch to see if the north pole of the compass is attracted or repelled. Now try the other end. You will find that your magnet has a north pole on one end and a south pole on the other.
Straighten out another paper clip. Place the north pole of one of the magnets in the center of the paper clip. Stroke the south pole of the other magnet along the paper clip, starting at the center and moving toward each end ten times. Remove the magnet and try the paper clip with the compass. You will find that both ends are north poles.
Does this mean that the magnet does not have a south pole? Bring the center of the paper clip near the compass and notice what happens. Is there a south pole?
To observe the magnetic fields of these magnets, place the magnet under a thin piece of paper. Hold two pads of fine steel wool over the paper and rub them together. The small pieces of steel wool will align themselves with the lines of force in the magnetic fields.
Mark the ends of each magnet, so that you can tell north and south poles. Now use the wire snips to cut each magnet in half. Test the new ends. Each piece will now have a north and south pole.
Can you think of a way to make a magnet that has several north and south poles located along its length? (Hint: Think about the letter Z)