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Topics > Physics > Forces and Motion

How do magnetic fields affect the rate of flow of water?

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This science fair project investigates how the magnetic field emanating from a permanent magnet will affect the rate of flow of water through a narrow passage. The experiment will be done using salt solution and tap water, with a magnetic field as well as without a magnetic field.

Hypothesis

Under the influence of an adequately strong magnetic field, the salt solution will have a slower rate of flow than the tap water

Overview

Diamagnetism

Diamagnetism is the behavior of certain materials that forms an opposing magnetic field when it is exposed to an external magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet. Diamagnetic materials normally have a relative permeability of less than 1, causing them to be repelled by the magnetic field.

The magnetic field from an external permanent magnet will have its flux lines curved away from the diamagnetic materials, resulting in repulsion. The magnetic field will also be slightly weakened by the diamagnetic material.

Water is diamagnetic. It is able to slightly attenuate and repel the magnetic field from an external permanent magnet. This weakening effect is greater when salt water is used. In theory, if water is able to repel a magnetic field, it should then be possible to slow down the rate of flow of water through a narrow channel, by introducing a sufficient strong magnetic field along the channel.

Scientific Terms

Diamagnetism, diamagnetic materials, relative permeability, magnetic flux

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