Magnetic Field Sensors
Magnetic field sensors are devices designed to detect and measure magnetic fields in surrounding environments. These sensors play a pivotal role in various scientific and industrial applications by providing insights into the presence, strength, and direction of magnetic fields.
As a crucial scientific tool, these sensors find wide-ranging utility in fields such as geophysics, astronomy, materials science, and even medical diagnostics. Their ability to precisely and non-invasively map magnetic fields makes them indispensable for understanding natural phenomena, optimizing technological processes, and advancing our knowledge of the universe.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of our available PASCO products involved in magnetic field investigations:
- PASCO Magnetic Field Sensors
- Comparison Table
- Zero Gauss Chamber
- Experiments and Demonstrations
- Permanent Magnets
- Magnetic Field Coils
- Related Magnetic Field Accessories
How do Magnetic Field Sensors Work?
Magnetic field sensors function by converting magnetic field variations into electrical signals that can be analyzed and interpreted operating on the principles of the electromagnetic induction effect or the Hall effect.
The electromagnetic induction effect is a fundamental phenomenon discovered in the 1830s by the English physicist Michael Faraday. It describes the process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a nearby conductor, such as a wire loop or coil. This induction of EMF results in the generation of an electrical current when a closed circuit is present. The magnitude of the induced EMF is directly proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field, as described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This effect forms the basis for the operation of various electrical devices, including generators, transformers, and many types of sensors, and is a fundamental principle in the field of electromagnetism.
The Hall effect measures the strength and polarity of magnetic fields when a conductor–typically a semiconductor or metal–is subjected to a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flowing through it. As a result, a voltage potential (known as the Hall voltage) develops across the conductor. The magnitude of this voltage is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the current, while its polarity depends on the direction of the magnetic field. By measuring the Hall voltage, magnetic field sensors can precisely determine several characteristics of a magnetic field, making these sensors widely utilized in scientific and industrial fields.
Common Applications for Magnetic Field Sensors
- Earth’s Magnetic Field
- Permanent Bar Magnets
- Helmholtz Coils
- Electromagnets
- Solenoids
- Ampere’s Law
- Zeeman Effect
Measure the magnetic field of coils with the PASPORT 2-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor.
Use the Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the magnetic field produced by a simple magnet.
PASCO Magnetic Field Sensors
You are sure to find a perfect match for your classroom activities from the available PASCO Magnetic Field sensors. Refer to our comparison table below to decide between the Wireless, PASPORT, and ScienceWorkshop’s unique specifications and features.
The Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor can measure magnetic field strength along three axes simultaneously, as well as calculate the resultant. The Wireless sensor is also ideal for activities like the Ampere’s Law Experiment, where cables would quickly tangle and complicate the path of the Rotary Motion Sensor. Alternatively, the PASPORT 2-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor has the fastest maximum sample rate. The ScienceWorkshop Magnetic Field Sensor has the most variability of ranges to choose from to measure magnetic field strength.
Comparison Table
| Sensor | Interface | Dimension | Range (Gauss) |
Resolution (Gauss) |
Maximum Sample Rate |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor | ✗ No Interface Required | 3-axis x, y, & z simultaneously |
±50 G → ±1300 G → |
±0.01 G ±1.0 G respectively |
100 Hz |
|
| PASPORT 2-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor |
|
2-axis axial & radial simultaneously |
±1000 G | 0.01 G at 10 Hz |
1000 Hz |
|
| (ScienceWorkshop) Magnetic Field Sensor |
|
1-axis at a time switch between axial & radial |
±10 G → ±100 G → ±1000 G → |
±0.05 G ±0.05 G ±0.5 G respectively |
Up to 1000 Hz depending on Interface |
|
Software Required for PASCO Magnetic Field Sensors
All four options of PASCO Magnetic Field Sensors are compatible with either SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software for data collection and analysis. For more information on which software is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison Guide.
Compatible Interfaces
The Wireless sensors can connect to your computer or device via direct USB or Bluetooth 4.0. PASPORT and ScienceWorkshop sensors require a PASCO interface to connect to your computer or device. We recommend the following options. For a breakdown of features, capabilities, and additional options, see our Interface Comparison Guide.
Investigations with Magnetic Field Sensors
Visit our Experiment Library to view a list of activities to do with your class.
Ampere's Law
Electromagnetic Induction
Zero Gauss Chamber
You won’t find another magnetic field accessory quite like the PASCO Zero Gauss Chamber (EM-8652). Its double-walled, high permeability metal chamber cancels out all surrounding net magnetic fields and produces a zero gauss field within the chamber. Place any probe of a magnetic field sensor inside the chamber and push the sensor’s “Tare” button to zero out the sensor. We highly recommend using the Zero Gauss Chamber to neutralize your sensors before conducting activities to measure Earth’s magnetic field.
Watch the video below for an overview of the Ampere's Law Experiment:
Experiments and Demonstrations
Bolster your magnetic field arsenal with larger magnetic field generating coils.
Ampere's Law
Students can verify Ampere’s Law experimentally by graphing the magnetic field strength that is tangent to the path taken...
3-D Magnetic Field Demonstrator
Suspends iron filings in a sealed acrylic container to demonstrate magnetic fields in three-dimensions.
Magnetic Fields of Coils Experiment
Examine the dependence of the magnetic field strength of current-carrying coils on the distance from the coil along the perpendicular...
Earth’s Magnetic Field Experiment
The complete solution for measuring the magnitude and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Magnetic Demonstration System
The Magnetic Demonstration System consists of PASCO’s Variable Gap Lab Magnet and Magnetic Force Accessory.
Lenz’s Law Demonstrator
Provides a convenient method of demonstrating Lenz’s Law.
Permanent Magnets
Use Magnetic Field Sensors in your classroom activities alongside convenient permanent magnets.
Alnico Bar Magnets (2 Pack)
Comprised of alloy mix of Al, Ni, and Co, is stronger and last longer than Iron magnets.
Cow Magnet (Pair)
These strong smooth magnets are convenient for showing magnetic induction by moving one through a coil connected to an ammeter.
Bar Magnets (2 Pack)
Two magnets that are cylindrical, small, strong and color-coded in polarity.
Neodymium Magnets (Solid, 16 Pack)
Among the strongest commercial magnets available.
Magnetic Field Coils
Explore the possibilities in your classroom activities with small and large magnetic field-generating coils.
Coil (200 turn)
A high quality 200 turn coil.
Coil (400 turn)
A high quality 400 turn coil.
Coil (800 turn)
A high quality 800 turn coil.
Coil (1600 turn)
A high quality 1600 turn coil.
Coil (3200 turn)
A high quality 3200 turn coil.
Detector Coil (400 Turn)
A 400 turn wire coil on one end of a wand that has two terminals at the other end to accommodate banana plug contacts, permitting...
Field Coil (200 Turn)
A 200 turn wire coil on a bobbin that has a base with three terminals that accommodate banana plug contacts for measuring...
500-Turn Field Coil
A 500-turn wire coil on a bobbin that can accommodate banana plug contacts for measuring current or voltage. It can also...
Related Magnetic Field Accessories
Magnetic Field Meter
Measures AC and DC magnetic field strength
Induction Wand
A rigid pendulum with a coil at the end to be used for induction investigations.
Variable Gap Magnet
The redesigned Variable Gap Magnet is rugged and durable while providing excellent results as a demonstration tool.
Helmholtz Coils for e/m
Helmholtz coils (without tube) - for classrooms already equipped with power supplies and e/m Tubes.
Helmholtz Coil Base
Allows mounting and changing of distance between field coils and is used for studies in electromagnetism.
Helmholtz Coils
Consists of two coils mounted on a base to provide a uniform magnetic field between the coils. 200-turn coils.
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions regarding our equipment or software, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.