The spatial dependence of magnetic fields in simple configurations is a common topic in introductory electromagnetism lessons, both in high school and in university courses. In typical experiments, magnetic fields and distances are obtained taking point-by-point values using a Hall sensor and a ruler, respectively. Here, we show how to take advantage of the smartphone capabilities to get simultaneous measures with the built-in accelerometer and magnetometer and to obtain the spatial dependence of magnetic fields. We consider a simple setup consisting of a smartphone mounted on a track whose direction coincides with the axis of a coil. While the smartphone is moving on the track, both the magnetic field and the distance from the center of the coil (integrated numerically from the acceleration values) are simultaneously obtained. This methodology can easily be extended to more complicated setups.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
December 2017
IPHYSICSLABS|
December 01 2017
Magnetic field ‘flyby’ measurement using a smartphone’s magnetometer and accelerometer simultaneously
Arturo C. Marti
Arturo C. Marti
Search for other works by this author on:
Phys. Teach. 55, 580–581 (2017)
Citation
Martín Monteiro, Cecilia Stari, Cecilia Cabeza, Arturo C. Marti; Magnetic field ‘flyby’ measurement using a smartphone’s magnetometer and accelerometer simultaneously. Phys. Teach. 1 December 2017; 55 (9): 580–581. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.5011840
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign In
You could not be signed in. Please check your credentials and make sure you have an active account and try again.
Pay-Per-View Access
$40.00
Citing articles via
Quark/Gluon Plasma: When Protons Melt
Don Lincoln
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Tethered Buoys
Hans C. Mayer
A Simple and Cost-Effective Fluid Dynamics Apparatus to Engage Students in the Classroom and Laboratory
David James Horne, Lily Zheng, et al.
Related Content
Locating a smartphone's accelerometer
Phys. Teach. (April 2016)
Demonstration of the parallel axis theorem through a smartphone
Phys. Teach. (May 2019)
Angular velocity and centripetal acceleration relationship
Phys. Teach. (May 2014)
Measuring average angular velocity with a smartphone magnetic field sensor
Phys. Teach. (February 2018)
Determination of gravity acceleration with smartphone ambient light sensor
Phys. Teach. (March 2021)