In this experiment we will use the magnetic force to suspend a paper aeroplane.
Things Required:
Steel straight pin
Sewing thread, 12 in. (30 cm)
Tissue paper
Bar magnet
Scissors
Directions:
Cut a small wing about 1 inches (2.5 cm) long from the paper. Insert the pin through the centre of the paper wing to make an “aeroplane”. Tie the thread to the head of the pin. Place the magnet on the edge of a table with the end of the magnet extending over the edge of the table. Place the aeroplane on the end of the magnet. Slowly pull on the string until the aeroplane is suspended in the air.
This Is What Happens:
The aeroplane remains airborne as long as it stays close to the magnet.
Science Behind It:
The strength of attraction between two magnets depends on how orderly the magnetic domains (clusters of atoms that behave like tiny atoms) are in the magnets. The atoms in the pin are randomly arranged before the pin touches the magnet. The number of atoms that arrange themselves into clusters (domains) and line up in the pin when it is placed on the magnet depends on the strength of the magnet.
Both pin and the magnet have magnetic properties. They pull on each other with enough force to overcome the downward pull of gravity, which allows the aeroplane to remain suspended.
