Question

Janalyn discovers how the width of the iron core affects the magnetic field strength of an electromagnet. She observes that more paper clips are attracted to the electromagnet with a greater iron core width. What does she conclude from her experiment? Explain.

Answer 1

Janalyn's experiment concludes that a wider iron core in an electromagnet results in a stronger magnetic field, as demonstrated by the ability to attract more paper clips.

Step-by-step explanation:

Janalyn's experiment indicates that as the width of the iron core in an electromagnet increases, the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnet also increases in strength. This is evidenced by the larger number of paper clips attracted to the electromagnet with a greater iron core width. The increase in the number of paper clips indicates a stronger magnetic field, as each paper clip adds to the total magnetic load that the electromagnet can support.

Additional experiments, like rubbing a bar magnet along a metal knitting needle or paper clip, show that materials which can be magnetized temporarily retain the magnetic field and, as a result, can attract other magnetic objects. These observations align with the knowledge that magnetic fields diminish with distance from the source, comparable to the electric field lines emanating from a pair of equal and opposite charges, as one would experience with magnets in practical situations.