Exp 1 Displacement current measurement experiment corrente di spostamento misurazione esperimento

Summary

In this experiment, the relationship between magnetism and electrostatics is demonstrated using a magnetic needle (compass) and a high-voltage piezoelectric generator. The setup involves charging and discharging a capacitor, initially causing the needle to respond to the magnetic field. As the needle is heated and demagnetized, it no longer reacts magnetically but continues to show movement due to electrostatic forces. The experiment highlights how electrostatics can influence objects even after their magnetic properties are lost, emphasizing the distinct effects of each force.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment involves magnetism and electrostatic effects using a magnetic needle and a compass.
• 😀 The compass stabilizes towards the Earth's north, with the needle showing the direction.
• 😀 A capacitor is formed with two copper plates and wires connected to a high-voltage piezoelectric generator.
• 😀 The experiment shows a process of discharging and recharging the capacitor to observe effects on the magnetic needle.
• 😀 Attention is needed to ensure proper insulation, as polystyrene is not the most reliable insulator for the experiment.
• 😀 After discharging the capacitor, a torque moment is observed, affecting the needle's orientation.
• 😀 The needle is heated and magnetized, causing it to no longer point to the north, but to stop randomly depending on where it is placed.
• 😀 The piezoelectric generator is used multiple times to discharge the capacitor and observe effects on the magnetic needle.
• 😀 The needle's magnetic properties change after being heated and it no longer acts as a proper magnetic needle.
• 😀 Despite the needle no longer being a true magnetic needle, electrostatic effects still cause it to behave in a way that mimics a magnetic field.
• 😀 The experiment illustrates the difference between magnetic and electrostatic effects, highlighting the role of heat and static electricity in altering the needle's behavior.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the magnetic needle and compass in the experiment?

The magnetic needle and compass are used to demonstrate how external factors, such as electrostatic fields and magnetism, can influence their orientation. The compass needle stabilizes towards Earth's magnetic north, and the magnetic needle responds to changes in the electric and magnetic fields.

How does the piezoelectric generator contribute to the experiment?

The piezoelectric generator produces a high-voltage electric field that is used to charge and discharge a capacitor. This electric field affects the behavior of the magnetic needle, demonstrating the influence of electrostatics on a typically magnetic object.

What happens when the capacitor is discharged?

When the capacitor is discharged, it causes a noticeable torque or twist in the magnetic needle, affecting its position. This demonstrates the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic properties of the needle.

Why does the magnetic needle stop behaving as a magnetic compass after being overheated?

The magnetic needle loses its magnetic properties when it is overheated, which is why it no longer points towards the Earth's magnetic north. Instead, it behaves randomly, pointing in various directions based on where it is positioned.

What does the experiment reveal about electrostatics?

The experiment reveals that even when the magnetic needle is no longer magnetized due to overheating, it still reacts to electrostatic forces. This shows that electrostatics can influence objects that have lost their magnetic properties.

How does the behavior of the compass change during the experiment?

Initially, the compass needle stabilizes towards magnetic north. However, after the capacitor is discharged, the compass needle experiences a torque, and after the magnetic needle is heated, it no longer points to the magnetic north and behaves randomly based on electrostatic forces.

What safety precautions should be taken during this experiment?

Safety precautions include ensuring good insulation to avoid electrical shock, using materials like polystyrene for insulation, and being cautious when heating the magnetic needle to prevent burns or other hazards.

Why does the experiment involve a piezoelectric generator?

The piezoelectric generator is used to create high-voltage electric fields that interact with the capacitor, enabling the study of electrostatic effects on the magnetic needle and compass. It allows the demonstration of electrostatic influence even when the magnetic properties of the needle are disrupted.

What role do the copper plates play in the experiment?

The copper plates form the two arms of a capacitor. These plates are essential for storing and discharging electrical energy, which influences the magnetic needle through the electric field created by the capacitor.

Can the magnetic needle still show a torque effect if it is no longer magnetized?

Yes, even though the needle is no longer magnetized due to overheating, it still shows a torque effect when exposed to an electrostatic field. This effect is caused by the influence of electrostatic forces rather than magnetic ones.