Jefferson Lab's Workbench Projects

Magnet Preparation

1. Identify the north and south poles of each of the four permanent magnets. This can be done by using a magnet of known polarity, such as a magnetic compass, or by suspending each magnet by a string and allowing it to align itself with the earth's magnetic field. Keep in mind that while the magnet's north pole will point towards the earth's geographic north pole, the magnet's north pole will attract the magnetic compass' south pole.
2. Cut out the labels found in Appendix A and attach them to the permanent magnets as appropriate. Although there are eight total surfaces, only six need to be covered since the faces that are in contact with the base aren't visible. If these devices are going to be heavily used, it is strongly recommended that you laminate the labels.

The poles have been identified and the magnets have been labeled.

1. Now that we know which end is which, it's time to put everything together!

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