Energy Level Simulator with Magnets

Description

Face-polarized ring magnets are placed on a shaft with like poles facing one another. The levitating magnets are a model for systems with well-defined energy states.

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• The concept of discrete energy states in atoms often puzzles students. Examples of discrete energy state surround us, nevertheless. Since we stand on the floor, and do not levitate above the floor, we occupy discrete gravitational energy states. We may walk down a staircase one or two steps at a time, but not at 2.6 steps at a time.
• Floating magnets often are effective at giving students a handle on the energy state concept. When the magnets float, students are able to observe the characteristic spacings between the magnets. The spaces at the bottom of a stack are smaller since the entire mass of the stack above must be repelled by the magnetic force from below. As one goes up in a stack of magnets, the spaces increase.
• When like-polarized magnet faces are adjacent, the magnets repel. The smaller the distance between them, the greater the repulsion.

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1. Place the magnets on a shaft. Use various combinations of like poles facing one another and opposite poles facing one another.
2. Pass the apparatus around the room to allow students to try different combinations of magnet arrangements. Caution the students that the magnets are fragile and require careful handling.
3. Relate the magnet equilibrium positions to the energy level spacings that are described for electrons in atoms.

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Name _____________________________ Class _______

Teacher______________________________

DoChem 029 Energy Level Simulator with Magnets

1. Watch the movie.
2. Relate the magnet equilibrium positions to the energy level spacings that are described for electrons in atoms. Describe the similarities and differences.

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Purpose

To illustrate energy states.

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• Supporting pole
• 5-10 face-polarized ring magnet (Edmund Scientific; Radio Shack)

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Handle the magnets cautiously; they are very brittle, and tend to break easily when dropped. Only face polarized magnets will work properly; one face must be the north pole, and the other face must be the south pole.

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Teacher preparation: 5 minutes

Presentation: 5-15 minutes

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There are no unusual hazards in this experiment.

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Handle the magnets cautiously; they are weak and brittle. Follow routine laboratory precautions.

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All of the materials are saved for subsequent reuse.

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• magnet
• energy state
• model
• energy state model
• quantum
• level model

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