One-Dimensional Motion Analysis of a Cylinder with a Magnetic Dipole Inside an External Magnetic Field

Abstract

Electromagnetism has evolved from only a science into an inseparable part of our daily life, nowadays. One kind of benefit of it is the use of magnetic field as an energy source of any physical movements. A motion analysis system was designed and built in this experiment. It consists of a solenoid, two cylinders made from acrylic where magnet chips are inserted within them, and a rail track or container for the cylinders. The goal of this research is to observe and specify the types of motion produced by the cylinder as a response of external magnetic fields from the solenoid. The dependent variables include starting position and starting angle of the cylinder, the amount of magnet chips injected, and the voltage used to supply the solenoids. The motion is a rolling motion, consisting of translational and rotational motions. The rolling motion that we observed is divided into two types, pure and with slipping, while later is divided again into translational and rotational dominance.