Table of Contents

Introduction.............................................................................................................1
Review of Literature................................................................................................3
Problem Statement.................................................................................................8
Experimental Design...............................................................................................9
Data and Observations.........................................................................................12
Data Analysis and Interpretation...........................................................................19
Conclusion............................................................................................................25
Appendix A: Building the Electromagnet..............................................................29
Appendix B: Two-Sample t-Test Calculation.........................................................31
Appendix C: Logger Pro Set Up...........................................................................32
Works Cited...........................................................................................................33

Conte Hoisington 1
Introduction
Electromagnetic technology has been taking off in todays world to make
things easier and life more accessible, often used in devices like TV receivers,
motors, and microwaves. In these devices, the electromagnet controls the
primary functions, such as generating the necessary signals and energy in order
to perform an operation. The motor is able to work based off of the power the
magnetic field produces. In the recent past, the devices that are essential to
everyday life have been taken for granted, and the true mechanics behind them
forgotten. Electromagnets are absolutely essential, and maximizing their
effectiveness in any and every way possible is vital to the development of future
technologies. Creating stronger electromagnets may lead to the development of
new inventions that would never have been otherwise possible.
The purpose of the experiment was to determine if an increase in the
temperature of the electromagnet positively affected the strength of the magnetic
field it produced. It was believed that increasing the temperature of the core of
the electromagnet would increase the magnetic permeability constant of the
metal and would result in an increase in magnetic field strength. In completing
this research, improvements can be made to current electromagnetic technology
to maximize effectiveness.
Magnetic field force, measured in gauss and then converted to the SI unit
of Tesla, was the response variable in this situation. The data was converted to
Tesla because using the SI unit allows the data to be compared to the results of
other experiments. The explanatory variable was the temperature of the

Conte Hoisington 2
electromagnet being used, comparing room temperature, around 22C, to boiling
temperature, around 100C. The electromagnets were connected to an Elenco
regulated power supply (13.8V DC) and the magnetic field was then measured.
Obviously, this experiment was ran on a very small scale so the increase in the
strength of magnetic field would be even greater and provide profound
enhancements in electromagnetic technologies, if these ideas areas adequately
implemented on a larger scale. The data collected from this experiment, although
the raw data implied that the raise in temperature was increasing the strength of
the magnetic field, was then used to perform a Two-Sample t-Test, with an alpha
value of 0.05, to prove the significance of temperature on the effect of an
electromagnets magnetic field.

Conte Hoisington 3
Review of Literature
In the twentieth century, the continuous development of technology has
greatly enhanced the quality of life. Although most take many electronic devices
for granted, the discovery and enhancements in the field of electromagnetism
were influential in many electronic devices that are used today. In fact, most
powered devices function thanks to some electromagnetic principle (Balu).
Household devices, such as the microwave, dryer, washing machine, and
television receivers are just some of the many devices that involve
electromagnetism that are used in everyday life (Electromagnetics Around Us:
Some Basic Concepts). Finding the ways to increase the strength of
electromagnets will improve the strength of devices such as these as well as
assisting in the development of more inventions, which can make the day to day
operations of life even more pleasurable. There have been many factors tested in
order to improve the strength of an electromagnet such as length of the core,
number of coils in the wire, and the material of the core. In addition, raising the
temperature of the core of the electromagnet may improve the strength of the
electromagnetic field as well.
The force created by an electromagnet is simply created by the interaction
of electrically charged particles and an electric field, hence the term
electromagnetism. The strongest electromagnets form when a current is ran
through a wire, usually copper, that is then wrapped around a central core, which
is usually iron or another ferromagnet, explained later, whose structure is similar

Conte Hoisington 4
to that of iron. Then, the ends of the copper wire are connected to some type of
power source, and an electromagnetic field is created (Belot).

Figure 1. Design of an Electromagnet (Storr)

Figure 1 shows the basic design of an electromagnet as it was described
above. In this case, a battery will be used as the power source of the
electromagnet. Note that the current within the wire flows from the positive end of
the battery, through the coiled wire, and into the negative end of the battery, this
set up creates the electromagnetic field.
B = 0IN/L
Shown directly above is the formula for determining the force of a
solenoid's magnetic field (Storr). A solenoid, by definition, is a cylindrical coil of
wire acting as a magnet when carrying electric current. In this formula, each
variable stands for a different part of the system. The B in this formula stands for
the strength of the magnetic field in Tesla, or Newtons/Ampere x Meters, but in
the following experiment the magnetic field is originally measured in gauss (for
reference, one gauss is equal to .0001 Tesla). The constant in this formula, 0, is
the permeability of free space constant, equal to 4 x 10^-7 T x m/A. I stands for

Conte Hoisington 5
the current going through the wire, measured in amperes. N here represents the
number of loops the solenoid contains. Finally, the L in this formula represents
the length of the coil while coiled, from one end of the solenoid to the other.
Solenoids are unique and easy to work with. The major reason for using a
solenoid in this experiment is that the magnetic field in its interior is almost
uniform, assuming the coil is tightly wrapped (McMillan, Solenoid). Because of
this scientific principle, placing a core in the middle of a solenoid allows the core
to easily magnetize and create an even stronger magnetic field. By heating the
nail, the magnetic permeability, or the measure of the ability of the substance to
sustain a magnetic field, of the metal is increased, which is believed to allow for
quicker and stronger magnetization. Therefore, if the magnetic field may be
sustained for a longer period of time, the strength of this field will increased.
In addition to the uniform magnetic field within a solenoid, the core
material being used, iron, is ferromagnetic (Ferromagnets and Electromagnets).
The word ferromagnet is interestingly derived from the Latin word farrum, which
translates to iron in English. A ferromagnetic substance is defined as having a
high susceptibility to magnetization, the strength of which depends on that of the
applied magnetizing field, and that may persist after removal of the applied field;
this is the kind of magnetism displayed by iron and is associated with parallel
magnetic alignment of neighboring atoms. In laymans terms, a ferromagnetic
material will magnetize easily, making the solenoid and electromagnet much
more powerful.

Conte Hoisington 6
There have been many previous experiments completed focusing mainly
on electromagnets and their properties, effects, etc. The experiments recovered
are mainly older experiments revisited by current scientists. The accomplished
scientist, Michael Faraday, completed one of the first of these experiments in
1821. John Bradley, a rising engineer in the 1950s, covered this original
experiment in depth. This was when electromagnets were just being discovered,
so Faraday sought to compare his work to the work of Ampere. In this
experiment, he discovered the basic parts of an electromagnet. He pointed out
that each pole had four positions, two of attraction and two of repulsion (Bradley).
This is referring to the north and south magnetic poles of the object. Originally,
Faraday repeated an Oersted experiment where a vertical conductive wire was
moved alongside a magnetic horizontal needle. In his first sketch, the needle
appeared to be suspended as he recorded forces at the center. He ultimately
found that as the wire approached the pole of the needle, the forces, both
attractive and repulsive, increased, but then reversed as the wire passed the
pole. Furthermore, Faraday explored the rotational effects of magnets more fully.
Faraday was one of the few scientists able to produce a rotational effect, which is
due to the freedom of movement provided by the way he designed his device.
The freedom that Faraday spoke of was due to making the apparatus
sufficiently delicate for motion, but affording sufficient mass as well. The belief
here is that the freedom allows for a greater magnetic permeability. Bradley
also discusses the findings of Faraday in that he determined that the field

Conte Hoisington 7
appears to travel in a circle around the wire, corresponding to the direction in
which the electrical current is traveling throughout.
In his analysis of the original experiment, Bradley explicitly states,
Faradays experiments demonstrate basic electromagnetic effects, and can be
rewarding for students to repeat. This design was influential in the design of this
experiment. Just as Faraday, a simple electromagnet was used to discover new
properties of how electromagnets work, as well as how their strength might be
optimized. In contrast, this experiment expanded upon the findings of Faraday in
order to discover the true effect that the core temperature of the electromagnet
has on the force of the magnetic field it produces.

Problem Statement

Conte Hoisington 8
Problem:
How can changing the temperature of the core of an electromagnet affect
the strength of the electromagnetic field that it generates?

Hypothesis:
If the temperature of the core is increased, then the strength of the
electromagnetic field it creates will also increase.

Data Measured:
The independent variable in this experiment was the temperature of the
iron nail that served as the core of the electromagnet. The temperature,
measured in degrees Celsius (C), had a room temperature value as well as a
boiling temperature of 100 C. Magnetic field strength (B) was then be calculated
using a magnetic field sensor, in gauss (g). The value was then be converted to
Tesla (T), because that is the SI Unit for magnetic field strength. As the collected
data was from two distinct samples from two distinct populations at thirty trials,
the data was analyzed with a Two-Sample t-Test.

Experimental Design

Conte Hoisington 9

Materials:
TI-Nspire Graphing calculator
(2) Rubber Bands (1 cm)
Gloves
Alligator Clips
(2) Iron Nails (10.7 cm)
Aluminum Foil
Paper towel
Copper Wire
Hot plate
Timer
20.9cm by 9.8 cm by 6.3 cm loaf pan
Tape
Thermometer
Beaker (500 mL)
LabQuest
Elenco Regulated Power Supply (13.8V
Cardboard (22.5 cm by 28.5 cm)
DC)
Magnetic Field Sensor (0.1 G precision) Sandpaper

Procedures:
Be aware of safety precautions. Wear appropriate attire.
1.

Fill the graduated cylinder with approximately 100 mL of water and pour

2.
3.

into the loaf pan.

Set loaf pan with 100 mL water on hot plate and heat until boiling.
Place the aluminum foil over the loaf pan to prevent heat from escaping.
Assure that the sensor is perpendicular to the core of the electromagnet

4.

before beginning data collection.

After the water is heated, select the corresponding electromagnet and use
the gloves to place it into the boiling water if the trial calls for a heated nail.

5.
6.

Skip steps 4-6 when doing the room temperature trials.

Set the timer for two minutes.
After time has expired, record the temperature of the electromagnets
core. Using the gloves, remove the electromagnet from the boiling water.
Dab the electromagnet twice on the paper towel to remove water and then

7.

place the electromagnet in the designated area on the cardboard.

Start LabQuest data collection using the magnetic field sensor, record the
strength of the magnetic field created by the electromagnets (See
Appendix C).

Conte Hoisington 10
8.

Connect the alligator clips to each end of the battery and to each end of

9.

the copper wire.

Turn on the power supply by flipping the switch on the regulated power

10.

supply.
End data collection and determine the change in magnetic field strength
from before the alligator clips were attached, to after the supply was
turned on. Record the measured magnetic field strength. Subtract the
initial magnetic field strength from the average magnetic field strength
after the power supply is turned on to record a reliable value for magnetic
field strength.

Conte - Hoisington 11
Diagram:
Aluminum
Loaf
Pan
Beak

Hot

er
Glov
es
Electromagn

Power
Supply

ets

Alligator
Clips

Magnetic Field
Sensor
Logger
Pro

Calculat

Figure 2. Electromagnet Setup

Figure 2 shows the setup of the electromagnet that was used in the
experiment. The copper wire is round tightly to maximize the strength of the
electromagnet. Also, the ends of this copper wire were taped down to the
opposite ends of the battery. In the picture, a trial is about to commence. The
electromagnets shown front and center were heated in the loaf pan. After they
are heated, they were removed and placed on the cardboard in its slot. The
alligator clips were connected and the data was recorded.

Data and Observations

Conte - Hoisington 12
Table 1
Room Temperature Data

Table 1 shows the results from the room the room temperature data. The
average and standard deviations of each of the measured values are also
calculated. The average temperature was 22.7 C and the average magnetic field
strength, in Tesla, is 0.001860. The standard deviation for temperature was

0.1

C and the standard deviation for magnetic field strength, in Tesla, is 0.000096.
Table 2
Room Temperature Electromagnet Observations
Trial
Observation
1-14
Researchers originally recorded trials using a battery as a power

Conte - Hoisington 13

1-30
12
16
26

source. They then switched to a regulated power supply, voiding trials

1-14 and restarting the experiment thus far.
Researcher 1 completed all room temperature trials due to
Researcher 2s absence.
Had to redo trial due to power supply not being turned on prior.
Trial was redone because data collection was not started.
Trial had to be redone due to power supply not being started.

Table 2 contains the observations for the trials in Table 1. These are the
most important observations. It is important to note that Researcher 1 recorded
all of the trials for the room temperature electromagnet due to Researcher 2s
absence on the day of data collection.

Conte - Hoisington 14
Table 3
Boiling Temperature Electromagnet Recorded Data

Table 3 shows the results from the boiling temperature data. The average
and the standard deviation of each of the measured values were also calculated.
The average temperature was 98.7 C and the average magnetic field strength,
in Tesla, is 0.004639. The standard deviation for temperature was 0.9 C and the
standard deviation for magnetic field strength, in Tesla, is 0.000401.

Conte - Hoisington 15
Table 4
Boiling Temperature Electromagnet Observations
Trial
Observation
For the first trial, the lights were off due to another experiment taking
1
place. This is considered to not have affected the data.
3
Pan reached 120C as water evaporated. Water was added.
9
Water was added, reduced temperatures momentarily.
Trial was redone due to taking longer than normal, resulting in rod
10
losing temperature.
Trial was redone due to the power supply being off at the beginning
17
of data collection.
Table 4 is similar to Table 2, but this table contains the observations of the
boiling temperature trials. Researcher 2 completed all boiling temperature trials
while Researcher 1 recorded the data. After trial 3, when all the water in the pan
evaporated, a beaker of water was kept full to make sure all of the water did not
run out at any given time again. Water was then added when the water level in
the pan became low.

Conte - Hoisington 16

Power
Supply

Alligator
Clips

Figure 3. Turning on the Power Supply

On the front of the power supply, place the switch into the on position.
After the cords are connected, connect the alligator clips to the end of the cords.
The alligator clips will be attached to the electromagnet to create the field.

Logger
Pro

Figure 4. Starting Data Collection

To begin the procedure, start the Logger Pro. Begin data collection after
setting up the sensor. For Logger Pro set up, see Appendix C.

Conte - Hoisington 17

Figure 5. Remove the Electromagnet from the Water

Shown in Figure 5 is the removal of the electromagnet from the water.
Check and record the temperature of the water. After removing the
electromagnet, dab it on the paper towel twice, then move it to the cardboard,
shown in the next figure.

Conte - Hoisington 18

Figure 6. Placing the Electromagnet

Place the electromagnet in the correct slot on the cardboard, at a specified
distance away from the magnetic field sensor. From here, proceed to the final
step.

Alligator
Clips

Figure 7. Connect Alligator Clips

Connect the alligator clips to the end of the electromagnet, as shown
above. After this, the data collection will be completed and the data can be
recorded. Repeat steps for every boiling temperature trial.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Conte - Hoisington 19
An experiment was conducted testing for the magnetic field strength of an
electromagnet. In the experiment, a room temperature electromagnet acted as
the control, which was then tested against an electromagnet at boiling
temperature. To improve upon the precision of the data, it was assured assured
that the experiment had included, a control, randomization, and replication. The
control, in this case, acts as the base. It is the room temperature data, which is
then compared to the heated electromagnet to see if the increased temperature
had an effect on the magnetic field strength. The orders of the trials of both
experiments were determined by random integer software on the calculator.
Additionally, the random integer software determined as to which electromagnet
would be used in each trial. Randomization ensures that these were simple
random samples, which means that both electromagnets had an equal chance of
being selected for each trial. Furthermore, this randomization assures that the
recorded averages for both populations are unbiased estimators of the
population mean of each respected population. The data collected for magnetic
field strength was quantitative and continuous. Having a sample size of 30 for
each treatment, due to the Central Limit Theorem, meant that the sampling
distribution of the data was normal. The satisfaction of the Central Limit Theorem,
due to the large sample size, also reduces the variability of the data.
Nonetheless, to determine normality, the box plots of the data were analyzed.

Conte - Hoisington 20

Figure 8. Data Distribution of Both Electromagnets

Figure 8 shows the respective box plots for both data sets. The high
temperature data is represented with red, and the room temperature represented
with blue. The five number summary is included above each box plot. As shown,
the two sets of data do not overlap at all. The minimum value for magnetic field
strength, measured in Gauss, of the high temperature data is almost double the
maximum or the low temperature data. For the sake of analysis of the data, the
plot shows the values in Gauss rather than Tesla. Despite a change in units, the
results of the visual analysis are the same. The high temperature data does
seem to have minor skew. It seems that the data may be skewed to the right.
Accordingly so, the spread of the high temperature data is greater than that of
the room temperature data. Nonetheless, based on this box plot, it can be almost

Conte - Hoisington 21
assured that there is a significant difference between the two data sets, proving
that temperature does have an effect on the magnetic field strength of an
electromagnet.
A Two-Sample t-Test was used for the comparison of the boiling and room
temperature data in the experiment. The Two-Sample t-Test was appropriate
because the sample means of two normally distributed, independent populations
were compared. For a sample of this test see Appendix B. Also, the data was
collected in a simple random sample, in that randomization was implemented
and each set of n trials had the same likelihood of occurring. The 10% rule,
which states that the sample size is not greater than one tenth of population, is
also met. To determine magnetic field force, the unit of Gauss was recorded and
then converted to Tesla. Converting to Tesla may be simply done by multiplying
the magnetic field strength by 10-4.
In order to execute a Two-Sample t-Test, a null and alternative hypothesis
must be made. The represents the same values for both tests, with R being
the mean room temperature values and B the mean boiling temperature values.
The null hypothesis, or Ho, was that the two means were equivalent values.
Ho : R = B
The hypothesis above represents the null. On the other hand, the alternate
hypothesis was that the two means were not equal, or were far from equal. This
hypothesis is represented by Ha.
Ha : R < B

Conte - Hoisington 22
The above hypothesis is the alternative hypothesis. The alternative
hypothesis states that the mean magnetic field strength for the heated
electromagnet is more than that of the room temperature electromagnet, which is
the original hypothesis.

t=

x R x B

s 12 s 22
+
n1 n2

Figure 9. Two-Sample t-Test Equation

Figure 9 is the equation used in a Two-Sample t-Test. Here, xx represents
the mean of the sample, s represents the standard deviation of the sample, and
n represents the sample size. Variables with a subscript of R are for room
temperature data, and variables with a subscript of B are for the boiling
temperature data.

Figure 10. Magnetic Field Two-Sample t-Test Results

Conte - Hoisington 23
Figure 10 shows results of the Two-Sample t-Test run on the data from the
magnetic strength experiment. The high t-value of -36.8704 accompanied with
the p-value of almost 0 suggests that the null hypothesis should be rejected.

Figure 11. t-Test Density Curve

Figure 11 shows the density curve from the Two-Sample t-Test. The
shaded regions, which are hardly visible at the tails of the plot, represent how
likely the results that were received were assuming the null hypothesis was true.
Clearly, the p-value displayed here is far too low to pass the 0.05 alpha level, so
the null hypothesis is to be rejected.
Ho, or the null hypothesis that says the different temperature
electromagnets have the same mean values for magnetic field strength, was
rejected at the alpha level of 0.05. There is sufficient evidence that the room
temperature electromagnet has a lower magnetic field strength than that of the
boiling electromagnet. There was nearly a 0% chance of receiving sample means
for magnetic strength as extreme as these by chance alone, if the null hypothesis
were true.

Conte - Hoisington 24

Conclusion
In completing the experiment, the purpose was to determine whether
raising the temperature of the core of an electromagnet could improve upon the
strength of the created magnetic field. Therefore, the factor of temperature was
the independent variable in the experiment. The two temperatures that were
used were room temperature and the temperature of boiling water. The test was
conducted by exposing the electromagnet to the appropriate temperature for
each experiment. After the cores temperature had been adequately adjusted, the
circuit of the electromagnet was completed, the power source turned on, and the
strength of the electromagnet was recorded using a magnetic field sensor. Once
the strength had been recorded, it was converted into the appropriate unit, Tesla.
Once all of the data had been recorded from each population of the experiment,
a Two-Sample t-Test was implemented in the analysis of the results.
After conducting the Two-Sample t-Test and analyzing the results, the
results were very clear and the original hypothesis was accepted. As predicted,
the experiment showed that raising the temperature of the core of an
electromagnet could raise the strength of the magnetic field that it creates.
According to the results of the Two-Sample t-Test, there is sufficient evidence
that raising the temperature of the core does increase the strength of an
electromagnets magnetic field. The highest magnetic field strength, 5.03 x 10 -3

Conte - Hoisington 25
Tesla, was yielded by the higher temperature electromagnet, with average field
strength of 4.639 x 10-3 Tesla. The lowest recorded strength, 1.696 x 10 -3 Tesla,
was created by the room temperature electromagnet, with an average strength of
1.860 x 10-3 Tesla.
The results correspond with the expected results scientifically. For a
magnetic field to be created by the electromagnet, the molecules within the
electromagnet need to align at the same time. In scientific terms, the temperature
increased the magnetic permeability, or the ability of a substance to sustain a
magnetic field, of the core. As these molecules are able to align more frequently,
the strength of the electromagnet would increase (McMillan). In heating the
electromagnet, as with the molecules of anything that is heated, the molecules
inside of the core became excited and moved rapidly. When the current was
connected, the molecules aligned more easily because the increased
temperature excited them. In the room temperature trials, more effort was
required to align the molecules and ultimately create the magnetic field.
Accordingly so, the molecules from the room temperature electromagnet aligned
less frequently than that of the boiling temperature electromagnet (McMillan,
Magnet).
A similar experiment was completed in the same field. However, the
results of the similar experiment did not concur with this experiment. In the
experiment completed by Blatt and Houghton, the colder temperatures were met
with an increase in magnet strength (Blatt and Houghton). In a source used by
Blatt and Houghton, Jim Swenson answers the very same question. According to

Conte - Hoisington 26
Swenson, a colder temperature is preferable for electromagnets because the
time it takes to heat up is much longer than an already heated electromagnet,
allowing for less resistance for a longer time and a stronger magnetic field overall
(Swenson). The low temperature of an electromagnet lessens the resistance of
the wire, allowing more current to flow without overheating. However, when the
molecules of the magnet are cooled, they become less susceptible to movement,
which decreases the likelihood of them aligning frequently. As a result, lowering
the temperature also decreases the magnetic permeability, which will force the
electromagnet to require more current for the magnetic field it produces. Overall,
the higher temperature is more effective in creating a stronger magnetic field
because of the increased magnetic permeability.
Flaws in the design of the experiment may have affected the results.
Although these differences were likely small, the construction of the actual
electromagnets that were used may have had inconsistencies from another. The
main issue created by the construction process of the electromagnet would be
the number of loops, and their spacing, around the core of the electromagnet.
Therefore, the strength of the magnetic field may have been affected by this
confounding variable from trial to trial. Also, the magnetic field sensor may have
influenced the collected data. Obviously, if the sensor had been oriented
differently in relation to the electromagnet, the recorded magnetic field strength
would be affected. Although attempts were made at keeping the sensor pointing
towards and perpendicular to the electromagnet, the sensor may have been
measuring from different positions during the progression of the trials. Lastly, the

Conte - Hoisington 27
electromagnets used here were simple, and much smaller than that of those
typically used in the real world. Therefore, it may be unwise to simply assume
that raising the temperature in a much larger electromagnet would have effects
that are just as profound. Nonetheless, it is expected that the scientific properties
behind the increase in magnetic field strength would remain in effect.
In addition to temperature, there is a multitude of factors that could be
tested. For example, research could be executed on the length of the core, the
number of loops made by the coil around the core, and the portion of the
electromagnet in which the magnetic field strength is measured from. Altering
these factors could determine how to maximize the efficiency of the
electromagnet. In addition to these factors, changing the temperature of the core
of the electromagnet has proved to increase the strength of the magnetic field.
Using the data here, future experiments involving the core of the electromagnet
may be executed in finding the ideal temperature of the core of an
electromagnet. Therefore, it would be useful to know which combination of
factors are ideal for the strength of the electromagnet in the real world, as they
continue to power many of the household appliances that are relied upon today.

Conte - Hoisington 28

Appendix A: Building the Electromagnet

The electromagnet is the main tool used in this experiment. It is the device
that produces the magnetic field.
Materials:
Iron Nail
Enamel Coated Magnet Copper Wire
Sandpaper
Rubber Band
Procedure:
1.

Begin wrapping copper wire around the nail, leaving about 4 inches of
extra wire before the first loop begins.

2.

Wrap the copper wire 100 times. Once there are 100 coils, cut wire about
4 inches from the end of the last coil.

3.

Place the rubber band at the end of the nail that has no top. Make sure
rubber band is close enough to coils so that they are compact and tight.

4.

Sand the enamel off each end of the wire, about an inch in. Sand until
enamel is completely removed.

Conte - Hoisington 29

Diagram:

Nail

Coils

Rubber bands

Figure 1. Electromagnet Set-Up

Shown in Figure 1 is the completed electromagnet. Included are the nail,
the 100 coils (filed down at the end) and the rubber band. The alligator clips were
connected to each side of the wire.

Conte - Hoisington 30
Appendix B: Two-Sample t-Test Calculation
In this experiment, the t-Test is used in order to determine if the
temperature of the electromagnet has a significant effect on the strength of its
magnetic field.

t=

t=

x 1 x 2

s 12 s 22
+
n1 n2

18.600346.3887

0.95882 4.01472
+
30
30

t=36.8704

p=2.8494 X 1028 0
Figure 1. Two-Sample t-Test Calculation
Figure 1 shows the sample calculation of the 2-Sample t-test. The first set
of data is the room temperature data and the second set is the boiling
electromagnet data. Both sets of data had 30 data points. The p-value is the
chance that results of this like will occur by chance alone if the null hypothesis is
true.

Conte - Hoisington 31
Appendix C: Logger Pro Set Up
The Logger Pro is the tool used to record magnetic field force
measurements over a period of time.
Materials:
Logger Pro
Magnetic Field Sensor Probe
Logger Pro Stylus/Pencil
Procedure:
1.
Connect the magnetic field sensor probe into the first input on the top of
the Logger Pro.
2.

Press the power button on the Logger Pro to turn it on. Choose New File
from the File menu.

3.

On the Meter screen, tap Rate using the stylus. Change the data
collection rate to 10 samples/second and change the data collection
length to 30 seconds. Select OK.

4.

Start data collection once trial is ready to begin. Complete trial. A graph
will be displayed on the screen.

5.

Take the peak point on the graph directly after connecting the alligator
clips and subtract the point after the electromagnet was placed, this is the
true magnetic field strength. When the heated electromagnet is placed
next to the sensor, the sensor will be activated. This is the low point that
should be used.

6.

Record calculated value into table using graph on the Logger Pro.

Conte - Hoisington 32
Works Cited
Balu, Sriram. "How Electromagnetism Changed Our World." Brighthub
Engineering. N.p., 1 Dec. 2011. Web. 07 Apr. 2014.
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