For this experiment we tested how a magnets force was impacted by three different types of liquid. We used Water, Vegetable Oil and Corn Syrup.
How Liquid Impacts a Magnet Video
Supplies Needed
- 3 Glasses
- Magnet
- 12 Paper Clips
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 Cup Light Corn Syrup
Experiment Instructions
Step 1 – Place three cups in a row
Step 2 – Fill the first glass with the water
Step 3 – Fill the middle glass with the vegetable oil
Step 4 – Fill the third glass with the corn syrup
Step 5 – Next, place 4 paper clips in each glass
Step 6 – You may need to gently push the paper clips to the bottom of the glass with the corn syrup
Step 7 – Test your magnet by showing how paper clips outside of the liquid are attracted to it.
Step 8 – Next, take your magnet and place it next to each glass. Notice that all the paper clips are attracted to the magnet, but that the liquid in the glass causes the paper clips to move differently.
How Does the Experiment Work?
The question answered in this experiment is how does the consistency of a liquid impact magnetic attraction.
When using water and vegetable oil, the paper clips moved through the liquid to the magnet very quickly. This is because the liquids provided very little resistance.
However, the paper clips in the corn syrup moved very slowly toward the magnet. This is because the corn syrup has a very think consistency.
The magnet still still attracts the paperclips in each of the scenarios. But the experiment shows that the thickness (also called consistency or viscosity) of a liquid impacts how fast (or slow) the paperclips move toward the magnet.
I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here’s some printable instructions.
How Liquid Impacts Magnets Science Experiment
Materials
Instructions
Will this work if plastic cups are used?
I believe it will, but I’ve never tried it. If you do, leave a comment and let us know if it works.
Thanks!
Danielle
I don’t think they will work
It will definitely work! Most cups will work because the walls of the cups are thin. Additionally, metal cups and water bottles will probably not work because the molecule are packed more tightly. These materials can also contain iron particles which will make them magnetic and therefore will interfere with your experiment.
It works, we used a plastic water bottle and it was a success!
this is my science fair project i’m going to do
Is this good for a science project for eighth graders or is it to easy?
Hi, just a small comment. Is not the magnetic force that is affected is that in the case of syrup the friction force is bigger so the total force acting on the paper clip is smaller, then the acceleration will be smaller. F=m.a
Nice experiment to show relationship between Center of Gravity and Balance Points. At the start point the Center of gravity is only a little higher than the point it’s touching the board. If it moves to the wider(higher) end, the Center of gravity lowers because the boards get wider and the contact point on the funnels gets further out, so the Center of gravity is actually getting lower as the funnel appears to be going UP HILL. It is in fact going down toward the direction of gravity.
I ENJOYED THIS EXPERIMENT AND PERFOMED THE SAME IN MY SEMINAR.I AND MY FRIENDS WAS HAVING A GOOD INTERACTIONS.SO GOOD.
looks fun
HI thanks for the video it was cool to know how liquid impacts a magnet.
Awesome:)
This fits perfectly in our magnet lessons for homeschool tomorrow.
Thank you! The kids are going to love it. I’m thinking we may even expand on it a bit — they love to experiment.
How strong are your magnets?
Hello,
that’s a pretty cool experiment, especially for kids! Thanks for the great idea, i will test it soon with my kids.
Regards
Christine
Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to try it with my class this week.