Iron filings
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Iron filings are very small pieces of iron that look like a dark powder. They are very often used in magnetism demonstrations, to show magnetic lines. Since iron is a magnetic material, it will align itself with the magnetic lines of a magnet in the same way a compass will align itself with a magnetic field.
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[edit] History
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Iron filings have been around for a long time maybe even as long as Iron.
[edit] Uses
The primary use of iron filings are in the study and teaching of magnetism and electromagnetic fields. The substance makes very impressive demonstrations when used on a blank surface. It is found in the childhood toy that involves a magnetic pen with which one can write. By sprinkling fine iron on a magnetic stripe, it is possible to see the magnetic encoding on such stripes. In addition, by suspending iron filings in a semi-viscous fluid, and pouring them directly on to the platter of a hard-drive, the patterns of bits will clearly show in the alignnment of the iron filings.
[edit] Availability
Iron filings can be found in many scientific product lines.
[edit] Manufacture of Iron Filings
It is possible to create iron filings at home by filing a ferro-magnetic lump of iron or steel.
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