Can magnetic force move a floating object? We will try to find an answer to this question by performing this experiment.
Things Required:
Glass bowl, 2 qt. (2 litre)
Sewing needle
Sewing thread
Masking tape
Bar magnet
Directions:
Fill the bowl three-quarters full with water. Cut two 12 inches (30 cm) pieces of thread. Tape both pieces of thread to one side of the bowl, about
1 inches (2.5 cm) apart. Stretch the thread across the bowl and lay the needle across both pieces of thread. Slowly, lower the thread until the needle rests on the surface of water. Gently move the thread from under the needle. Move the magnet near, but never touching, the floating needle.
This Is What Happens:
The needle floats on the surface of the water and moves when the magnet moves.
Science Behind It:
The surface of the water acts like a thin skin. This imaginary skin is due to the attraction of water molecules to one another. The needle is able to float and move across the surface of the water in response to the magnetic force of attraction by the magnet.
