Ferrofluid Bolt Kit
Item #FF-400

When a black liquid is slowly dropped onto the top of a magnetized bolt, numerous spikes form.

Safety Precautions:

1. Neodymium magnets are extremely strong, but brittle, and unexpectedly can attract other magnets or pieces of ferrous metal. Often this result in pinched fingers and flying chips from the magnets. When neodymium magnets collide with an object, they can chip.

2. Safety glasses, rubber gloves, and protective clothing must be worn whenever using neodymium magnets and ferrofluid. Ferrofluid will permanently stain surfaces such as tabletops, clothing, skin, or eyes.

3. Do not bring a magnet close to the liquid ferrofluid, as it will cause the ferrofluid to jump to the magnet.

Instructions:

1. Carefully attach the large washer to one of the flat surfaces of the two neodymium magnets. This gives the base stability.

2. Set the plastic dish on the top surface of the magnets and secure with the nut and bolt assembly.

3. Slowly drip the ferrofluid, one drop at a time, onto the TOP of the assembly, keeping the pipet well away from the magnets at all times. Numerous spikes should form. WARNING: If you add the ferrofluid too quickly, it may make a mess.

4. When finished, use the pipet to draw up the ferrofluid and return it to its bottle.

Things toTry:

Carefully bring a magnet to within 12" of the ferrofluid on the bolt and observe the effect on the spikes. What happens when you move this magnet? What is the greatest distance at which a magnet can affect the spikes? Repeat with a different type of magnet. Using the two distances and the Inverse Square Law, determine the relative strengths of the two magnets.

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