Magnetic Field Strength

Question

How does altitude affect magnetic field strength?

Hypothesis

If the altitude is increased, magnetic field strength will increase.

Variables

Independent Variable: Altitude

Dependent Variable: Magnetic Field Strength

Controlled Variable: Camera Distance From Magnets

Procedure

STEP 1:

Two neodymium magnets were placed in a plastic tube with like poles facing each other so that they would repel. The diameter of the tube was slightly larger than the magnets so they could freely move. The tube was then glued to the paint stick.

STEP 2:

We tried using a ruler made from copier paper. After some discussion, it was decided that this would be too flimsy and would probably not survive strong winds.

STEP 3:

We found a ruler made from a heavier paper that was stiff and would probably do better in the winds.

Step 4:

In order to strengthen the ruler, we glued it to a small piece of chloroplast. Then, the chloroplast was glued to the paint stick.

STEP 5:

Someone bumped into the tube and it fell off of the paint stick. We cut a small piece of wood and glued it to the paint stick so that it would support the tube.

Step 6: A piece of tape was placed on top of the tube to keep the magnet in the tube. A small hole was placed in the tape so that air could move freely when the pressure changes.

Step 7: A GOPRO was mounted on top of a cooler facing the experiment.

Step 8: A device that will measure altitude will be placed inside the payload box.

Step 9: Turn on the electronics and launch the experiment.

Step 10: Analyze the video data. Record the distance between the magnets. The altitude is determined using the run time of the video and the known launch time. The altitude data will be determined from the Z-Log device.

Results

Unfortunately, there was a problem with the GOPRO camera. For some reason, the experiment was outside of the field of view of the camera. On launch day, the field of view of the camera was correct at 8:25 am. At 8:29 am, the field of the camera changed. The student running the camera reported that they had turned the camera off and turned it back on. They did not notice that the field of view had changed.

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