Do Bar And Ring Magnets Have Different Magnetic Properties Science Fair Project

Magnets are a common test subject for elementary and middle school science fair projects. Magnet science fair projects often examine what impacts a magnetic field or what a magnetic field can impact. In this sample project students will be examining if magnetic properties can be manipulated based on the type of magnet, ring or bar, that is used.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis for this science fair project is that the ring and bar magnets have the same magnetic properties. The dependent variable for this hypothesis is the type of magnetic properties that are displayed by the magnet and the independent variable is the type of magnet. To clarify this hypothesis the term “magnetic properties” needs to be defined as having a magnetic polarity.

Supplies

To complete this magnet science fair project students will need a variety of bar and ring magnets. They will also need to have objects that also have polarity such as metal objects. Finally, students will need a data collection sheet.

The Experiment

The control experiment for this test will use the bar magnet. This magnet was chosen because it has the most traditional shape and properties. It will serve as the baseline data source. To test the magnetic properties of a bar magnet students will need to test the bar for polarity by identifying if it attracts opposite poles and if it repels like poles.

The test experiment will focus on the ring magnet. This magnet will be run through similar tests. A bar magnet that has poles clearly labeled can be used to test the polarity of various points on the ring magnet. Students will want to mark what areas of the ring magnet are attracted by each pole of the bar magnet and which areas are repelled.

Data Collection and Analysis

The collection of data will be based on simple observations of repulsion and attraction trends for both the bar and the ring magnets. The analysis of the data will revolve on the student’s ability or inability to find poles on the ring magnet. (*Hint: the poles on a ring magnet may not be found on the curved edge of the magnet.)

In order to prove the hypothesis may be correct the student will need to find polarity properties on the ring magnet. If polarity is not found then the hypothesis can be assumed to be false. Students may need to run this experiment several times to gather enough data to make a solid conclusion from the data that they collect.