Oberoi International School 

 
Teacher’s Name: Mr. Sanjay Dey 
   
Gr 10 Science (Physics) 
 
Student’s Name: Ishana Basu 
 
Date:  
 

Formative: Investigate ​the strength of an 

electromagnet as the Voltage through the 
electromagnet is varied. 
Unit - Electromagnetism 
 
Key concept:  Related concept:  Global Context: 

Relationships  Interaction  Scientific and technical innovation 

 
Function 

  

SOI - ​Relationships between physical characteristics influence functions 

 

Important Task Details: 

Assessment type: ​Lab report (Crit - C_Processing, Conclusion and Evaluation) 

Length: ​4-5 pages maximum. 

Submission method: ​Upload to Managebac (or submit hard copy in case technical  
glitch in upload) 

Due Date: As instructed at the beginning of the task/timeline indicated on MB tasks 

 
 
 
Instructions: 
1) Make a copy of the template and add to your student folder 
2) Replace all bold font with the proper information (ex: “Student’s Name” will change to your name) 
3) Fill the tables with the appropriate information and insert pictures, graphs, etc. as instructed 
 
Plagiarism: You cannot copy your partner's answers. They must be your own words even if you work 
together. Sign here that you understand that your answers can’t be the same as your partners:​_______ 
 

Task: 
Criteria C - Processing and Evaluating 
Aim and procedural outline ​:  

Use the equipment provided and work in ​Teacher-assigned-pairs to collect the data​. ​Individually 
complete the task document for data processing, conclusion and evaluation. 

1. Set up a simple electromagnet by making a current flow through a length of enamel coated copper 
wire coiled around a thick iron nail/rod. 
2. Investigate the effect of ​varying the​ ​Volatge(v)​ ​through the coiled copper wire on the 
field-strength​ o​ f the electromagnet.​ The field-strength of the electromagnet may be measured by 
the ​total length/number of the needle-pins that can be picked-up/held by the electromagnet in a 
single line.  
3. Collect sufficient data and record it appropriately in a well-organised tabular format. 
4. Process and analyse the data and use it to logically support a conclusion. The conclusion must be 
clearly stated. 
5. Critically evaluate the experimental methodology and the conclusion.  

\ 
Investigation Question​: (include the IV and DV names in the statement) 
 
Hypothesis​: (Write in brief with all the relevant information) 
 
 
If the voltage provided by the power supply is increased, the number of pins attached to the iron nail 
will increase as well, because increasing the voltage will lead to an increase in the current flowing 
through the iron nail, according to Ohm’s Law (V=IR). The current (I) is directly proportional to the 
intensity of the magnetic field (B), and therefore, the increase in the current will cause the magnetic 
field to strengthen.  
 
 
Control variables​: (Provide the control-value chosen for the experiment wherever applicable) 
 
 
Composition of iron nail  The ferromagnet qualities remain the same, 
ensuring that certain trials do not get a stronger 
Size of iron nail  magnetic field due to a stronger ferromagnet.  

Composition of copper wire  Keeping these constant will ensure that copper 
wires ability to conduct electricity and therefore 
Thickness of copper wire  its ability to create a magnetic field will not 
change. The strength of the magnetic field will 
Number of turns of the coil  remain constant.  

Position of the circuit  Keeping the wires in the same position ensures a 
constant resistance. Bending and straightening the 
could lead to increasing or decreasing the 
resistance.  

stand  To ensure that the same percentage of the 

electricity transfers to the stand.  
 
Experimental set-up diagram/ Circuit diagram​: (Hand sketch the schematic set-up diagram in your 
notebook and paste a picture of the sketch here.) 
 
 
Criterion C.i  Raw Data Table 
present  What measurable data did I collect? 
collected and 
transformed  Raw Data Table: 
data 

 
Process Data Table: 

 
NOTE: THE Y-AXIS LABEL IN THE FOLLOWING GRAPHS ARE NOT SEEN 
DUE TO A TECHNICAL ERROR. THE LABEL IS SUPPOSED TO READ: 
‘NUMBER OF PINS’. 
 
Scatter Plot Graph with individual lines of best fit for each trial: 
 

 
 
Scatter Plot Graph with line of best fit: 
 

 
  
 
 
 
Criterion  Patterns 
C.ii. interpret  What patterns did I notice in my data? Use words like “increase” and “decrease”. 
data and  Was there a positive relation, a negative relation, or no relation? 
explain  Be sure to include numbers and/or graph trends to support your statements. 
results using 
scientific   
reasoning  As the voltage was increased, the strength of the magnetic field also increased 
(positive correlation). ​We can see this because the number of pins that the iron nail 
attracts increases with the voltage as well. When the voltage was at 2 volts, the number 
of pins that stuck to the nail for each trial was 4, 5, and 7 respectively (average: 5.33). 
When the voltage was increased to 4 volts, the number of attached pins increased to 6, 
8 and 7 (average: 7.00), which shows a 1.67 in increase between the two voltages’ 
average pins. The difference of average pins between the following voltages also 
follows the same pattern. When the voltage was 6 volts, the average number of pins 
attached was 8.00, which is 1 pin more than the previous average (4 volts; 7 pins). 
When the voltage was increased to 8 volts, the average pins were 8.33, which is 0.33 
pins higher than the average for 6 volts (8.00). Lastly, when the voltage was 10 volts, 
the average pins were 9.33, 1.00 more pins than the previous average (8 volts; 8.33 
pins). The overall rise in the number of pins can be seen with the line of best fit in the 
second scatter plot graph.  
 
This pattern exists because when the voltage is increased, the current also increases, as 
dictated by the Ohm’s Law. The increase in current causes more domains to be aligned 
and move faster, which facilitates a stronger magnetic field, causing more pins to stick 
to the iron nail.  
 
Trial #1 has attracted lower pins than trial #2 and #3 for each of the voltages. Though 
the evidence for this is not as strong as for the previous point, a pattern can definitely 
be seen. When the volt was set to 2 volts, trail #1 showed that 4 pins were attached, 
while trail #2 and #3 showed 5 and 7 pins respectively. When the voltage was 4 volts, 
trail #1 showed 6 pins, while trial #2 and #3 show 8 and 7 respectively. The same 
applies for all the other voltages, all the way up to when the voltage was 10 volts. Trial 
#1 shows 9 pins, while trial #2 showed 10 and trial #3 showed 9.  
 
The lines of best fit in the first scatter plot graph show that the line for trail #1 is 
consistently below the line of best fit of the other trials.  
 
I believe this is because of the fact that during the 2nd and the 3rd trial, the pins had 
gained the effect of the temporary magnet. By coming in contact is a highly magnetic 
iron nail, the current flowing through the pins developed its own magnetic field.  
 
 
 
Criterion  Evaluating the hypothesis 
C.iii.  Do my data results support my hypothesis? Why or why not? 
evaluate the 
validity of a  The hypothesis stated : 
hypothesis   
based on the  If the voltage provided by the power supply is increased, the number of pins attached to 
outcome of  the iron nail will increase as well, because increasing the voltage will lead to an 
the scientific  increase in the current flowing through the iron nail, according to Ohm’s Law (V=IR). 
investigation  The current (I) is directly proportional to the intensity of the magnetic field (B), and 
therefore, the increase in the current will cause the magnetic field to strengthen.  
 
As per the data results, my hypothesis has been proven true. As elaborated above, the 
data shows that as the voltage is increased, the number of pins attached to the iron nail 
also increase. The line of best fit in the second graph is evidence for this steady 
increase. The average number of pins for each voltage are 5.33, 7, 8, 8.33, 9.33 for 2 
volts, 4 volts, 6 volts, 8 volts, and 10 volts respectively.  
 
The hypothesis states that the increasing the voltage causes the current to increase as 
well, as per the Ohm’s Law (V=IR). Given that the current is directly proportional to 
the magnetic field, this experiment clearly proves the Ohm’s Law through the clear 
proportionality between the voltage and the magnetic field that it seen. The data shows 
that as the voltage increases, the magnetic field strengthens, as it can carry more pins. 
This shows that current and voltage are directly proportional, and therefore the Ohm’s 
Law is proven.  
 
 
 
Criterion  Evaluating the method 
C.iv.  What were the strengths and weaknesses of the experiment? Was the data reliable? 
evaluate the  Were CV’s controlled? What UV’s were there? 
validity of 
the method   
Strengths  Weaknesses 

Consistency  Human Error 

- The composition, thickness and  - The pins were not stuck under 
number of turns of the copper  one another, rather in an 
wire remained constant. This  overlapping way. The point at 
ensures that the wire did not play  which one pin touched another 
any part in increasing of  was therefore not constant, and 
decreasing the strength of the  must have had an effect where 
magnetic field. This ensured are  and how a following pin 
all changes in the magnetic field  intersected the magnetic field of 
 were only due to the IV.  the preceding one, and therefore 
- The composition and size of the  how strong the bond between the 
iron nail was not changed  two pins was. 
throughout the experiment. This  Position of wires were changed 
ensured that the ferromagnetic  - The wires that connected the 
qualities of the nail remained  copper wire to the power supply 
constant, ad that they did not play  were moved constantly during the 
any part in changing the strength  experiment. This meant that the 
of the magnetic field. This  wires kept bending in different 
ensured that the only changes in  angles, causing the resistance to 
the magnetic field are because of  differ. This meant that the wire’s 
the IV.   current capacity kept changing as 
- The power supply was the same.  well. Though the amount is 
So, any error in the power supply  negligible, the changing 
was constant, which means that it  resistance has definitely impacted 
affected each trial in the same  the results obtained in this 
manner.   experiment.   
- The wires that connected the  Not time efficient 
copper wire to the power supply  - Sticking the ins one under the 
(the alligator clips) were the  other requires a very steady hand 
same, ensuring the same amount  and a lot of patience. Depending 
of resistance, making sure that the  on a person’s concentration 
current did not change due to the  ability, this experiment can take 
differing resistance of the wire.   from half an hour to one and a 
Easy to replicate  half hours.  
- There are no specific  Smoke from power supply 
measurements that needed to be  - If the power supply was kept on 
followed, and the steps are fairly  for more than a minute 
easy to follow. The simplicity of  (approximately) than smoke 
the experiment ensures that  would start to appear from the 
anyone can replicate it to verify  battery and where the alligator 
results.   clips connect to the copper wire. 
The burning causes the wire’s 
ability to pass current to be 
reduced.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criterion C.v  Improving the experiment 
Explain  What could be changed in the experiment?   
improvement
 s or  Solution for human error: 
extensions to  - Instead of attaching pins from the middle, they should be attached from tip to 
the method  tip. This way, each following pin will interject the magnetic field of the 
preceding pin in the same location, keep it constant.  
Solution for the changing positions of the wires: 
- If doing the experiment is bound to cause the wires to move, it is safer to tape 
them to the table that the experiment is being conducted on.  
Solution for smoke coming from the power supply (wires burning): 
- Wires with ore resistance should be used. If the wires that connect the power 
supply to the copper wire had more resistance, than less current would flow 
through them, causing them to avoid any burning due to fast moving current.  
 
Other improvements include: 
- A new iron nail should have been used instead of an old one. This is because the 
old ones tend to have rust and oxidized iron which can contain moisture and 
therefore make the iron a weaker conductor. 
- The stand should have been rubber insulated, so minimal current would be lost 
to the stand. 
 
 
 
Criterion C.v  Extensions to the experiment 
Explain  What other related questions could be investigated?  
improvement Describe all the variables completely. 
s or 
extensions to  A valid extension to this method would be exploring the following questions: 
the method  - Does reducing the resistance in the wires that the same degree of effect as 
increasing the voltage?  
- This question will help explore the relationship between voltage, current 
and resistance in great depth. Since the entire experiment is based 
around the relationship between voltage and current, this extension will 
allow us to understand the limitations of the relationship. 
- Does changing the number of turns of the copper wire impact the magnetic 
field? 
- Understanding this will allow one to better understand how a magnetic 
field can be manipulated.  
 
Works Cited​ ​(MLA 8 format - internet (.edu, .gov, .org), books, publications, images) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
MYP Rubrics 
 
Criterion C: Processing & Evaluating 
i. present collected and transformed data 
ii. interpret data and explain results using scientific reasoning 
iii. evaluate the validity of a hypothesis based on the outcome of the scientific investigation 
iv. evaluate the validity of the method 
v. explain improvements or extensions to the method. 
(Refer to the task on MB for detailed strands of the rubric) 
 
 
Task Specific Clarifications 
 
 
C  i. present collected  ii. interpret data and  iii. evaluate the  iv. evaluate the  v. explain 
and transformed data  explain results using  validity of a  validity of the method  improvements or 
scientific reasoning  hypothesis based on    extensions to the 
the outcome of the  method. 
scientific investigation   
1-2  I have presented the  I have attempted to  I have evaluated my  I have evaluated my  I have stated how I 
data I collected in my  recognize patterns and  hypothesis.  method.  suggest 
experiment using  draw conclusions  improvements to my 
tables or graphs.  from the data.  procedures. 
3-4  I have presented the  I have used  I have evaluated my  I have evaluated my  I have stated how I 
data I collected in my  knowledge and  hypothesis by stating if  method by listing  suggest 
experiment by using  understanding of  it has been supported  errors in my  improvement to 
the correct type of  science to recognize  or not, based on my  procedures and lab  limitations in my 
graph, including  patterns and draw  data and the  work.  procedures. 
titles, axis labels.  conclusions from the  conclusion from my 
data.  data. 
5-6  I have organized the  I have correctly used  I have evaluated my  I have evaluated my  I have given brief 
data I collected in my  knowledge and  hypothesis by briefly  method by briefly  details of how I 
experiment using  understanding of  mentioning the data to  considering my  suggest 
tables that include  science to recognize  state if I my  procedures and lab  improvement to 
units in the proper  patterns and draw  hypothesis has been  work.  limitations in my 
place.  conclusions from the  supported or not,  procedures. 
My graph is the  data.  based on my data and 
correct type,  I have given some  the conclusion from 
including titles, axis  details of how and  my data. 
 labels, and I have  why the variables are 
used lines of best fit.  related. 
7-8  I have correctly  I have correctly used  I have evaluated my  I have evaluated my  I have provided 
organized the data I  knowledge and  hypothesis by  method by carefully  details of how I 
collected in my  understanding of  considering many  considering the  suggest 
experiment using  science to recognize  possibilities.  strengths and  improvement to 
tables that include  patterns and draw  I have used the data  limitations of my  limitations in my 
units in the proper  conclusions from the  and the conclusion  procedures and lab  procedures. 
place.  data.  from the data to  work.  These suggestions 
I have processed my  I have correctly given  clearly state if my  I have discussed the  are realistic and 
data using proper  some details of how  hypothesis has been  validity and reliability  based on scientific 
methods and showed  and why the variables  supported or not.  of my methods, and  reasoning and 
examples.  are related.  I use scientific reasons  addressed its  research. 
My graph is correct,  and sources to help  significance. 
including titles, axis  explain my reasons. 
labels, and I have 
used lines of best fit.