Magnetometer (Randy Daniels)

Author

Randy Daniels. Life Science Teacher, Hillside Middle School, Simi Valley, CA.

Sensor / Probe

Magnetic Field - Magnetometer phone app by WarDay Technorats. This app allows the user to located and measure the strength of the magnetic field of random objects, or magnetic flux density (measured in units of Tesla). The magnetometer detects ferromagnetic metals as well as magnets. It will also detect hidden electrical wires (underground, wires in walls). The accuracy of this application depends on the sensors that are installed on the mobile device you are using.

Sample Investigation

In this sample investigation/data collection, I am going to test the magnetic fields generated by three household objects, the phone, the microwave, and the toaster oven to see which one generates a stronger magnetic field.

Sample Data & Analysis and Interpretation

This was a test run with this application. When placed near the microwave oven (while in operation), the magnetometer detected a magnetic field that registered and fluctuated between 61-68 u Tesla.

When placed near the phone, the detected magnetic field fluctuated between 60-78 u Tesla.

When placed near the audio speaker, the magnetic filed fluctuated between 118-140 u Tesla.

Since the phone and the speakers both contain magnets, I would surmise that this was the reason for the higher magnetic field reading, as opposed to the reading when the magnetometer was near the microwave.