Lorentz Force Lab

Apparatus to hold flat neodymium magnets (2 x 1 x 1/16 in.). This creates a moderately uniform magnetic field between the magnets and the whole apparatus can be placed on a scale. Placing a wire segment with a horizontal current flow between the magnets will exert a force proportional to the current according to the Lorentz Force Law (for straight wires):

                               

Force = (current)\*(length of horizontal wire) cross-product (Magnetic Field).
The wire should be shaped like a U with a flat bottom. In order to stay within the uniform portion of the field the horizontal segment of wire should be ~1 in and turn at right angles upward at the ends so as not to contribute to the force calculation (the two opposite vertical components result in equal and opposite forces in the horizontal direction). This can be used to measure the magnetic field between the magnets. Also the top of the apparatus can rotate so that the dependence on the angle in the cross-