Physics 9702/53 — October/November 2016

A student is investigating the motion of magnets falling through a vertical copper pipe as shown in Fig. 1.1.

The student releases a magnet above the copper pipe. The magnet has speed $v$ as it leaves the pipe.

It is suggested that the relationship between $v$ and $B$ is

where $B$ is the magnetic flux density at the poles of the magnet and $v_0$ and $\lambda$ are constants.

Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between $v$ and $B$. Explain how your results could be used to determine values of $v_0$ and $\lambda$. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to

• the procedure to be followed,
• the measurements to be taken,
• the control of variables,
• the analysis of the data,
• any safety precautions to be taken.