Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism - Physics Demonstrations - Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism | Physics Undergraduate Labs

The radar magnet produces strong magnetic fields that can affect pacemakers, damage magnetic storage media, and attract ferromagnetic objects. Keep credit cards, watches, and electronic devices at a safe distance. Be aware of loose ferromagnetic objects that could be attracted to the magnet.

Purpose

Suspended samples in a non-uniform magnetic field demonstrate diamagnetic behavior. Bismuth, one of the strongest common diamagnets, visibly orients perpendicular to the field lines. Students see that all materials respond to magnetic fields, not just ferromagnets.

Four views of the apparatus: radar magnet with pole piece (top left), full setup with magnet on lab jacks and optical bench (top right), close-up showing condenser lens (bottom left), and projected shadow of a suspended sample between pole pieces (bottom right)

Figure 1:

Optical Slider

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160 mm Lens

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Safety Warnings

Warning: Strong Magnetic Fields

Purpose