Ferromagnetic material in a magnetic field

A non-uniform magnetic field exerts force on a magnetic dipole. If a ferromagnetic material is placed in a magnetic field, the material gets magnetized in the direction of the field. Such a material will have tendency to go from the weaker field side to stronger field side. We have designed some experiments to show this in interesting way.

This demonstration needs a solenoid, AC power supply, A bundle of spoke pieces tightly wrapped by a rubber band, few loose spokes, an iron chain, a heater coil.

Procedure

1. Put the solenoid vertically on the table. Connect the ends of the coil to the AC power supply, but keep the switch off.
2. Place the bundle of spokes inside the solenoid. This will rest on the table.
3. Switch on the power supply. How did the spokes behave?
4. Keep the solenoid in horizontal position. Place a spoke partially inside the solenoid. Switch on the supply. How did the spoke behave?
5. In place of spoke, put the chain partially inside the solenoid. How did the chain behave?
6. Now put a heater coil partially inside the solenoid. Switch on the supply. How did the heater coil behave?
7. For coil, do it with coil placed straight and coil placed straight and coil placed in curved shape.