5G20.10 • Magnetic Sand Timer

Location: Cabinet 2

Instructions / Notes:

• Flip the hourglass onto the magnet provided and observe the arrangement of the iron filings inside.

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Concepts Conveyed:

• A rare Earth metal magnet produces a powerful magnetic field causing the iron filings in the hourglass to align with the field.

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Faculty Notes:

• Occasionally the sand in the timer will become charged and stuck in the neck of the hourglass. Just give it a good shake to release it.
• It's recommended you order the demo camera with this demo so it can be seen by all students.

Photo Shows the Demonstration Used by the University of Texas at Austin.

Last updated on June 8, 2026