2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Low-Cost Tool for Measuring Magnetic Force in Large-Enrollment Courses

Presented at Engineering Physics and Physics Division (EP2D) Technical Session 1

Measuring the force between permanent magnets is a fundamental and well-established experiment in teaching electromagnetism, essential for students to empirically validate physical models. However, the implementation of this classic setup in large undergraduate courses is systematically hampered by the high cost, fragility, and rigidity of commercial equipment. This work presents the redesign, manufacture, and validation of a low-cost, open-source experimental device, developed primarily through 3D printing with diamagnetic materials. The main objective is to overcome the logistical shortcomings of the traditional setup by integrating a screw-type mechanism for distance adjustment, a standardized support for force sensors, and an alignment structure that supports repeatable coaxial alignment during measurement. This open-source design approach supports instructors in iterative improvement of lab activities and local adaptation of the apparatus. The validation results demonstrate that the device is a robust, economical, and flexible solution with adequate precision for undergraduate laboratory use. The creation of a replicable and low-cost tool facilitates the successful implementation of this established experiment in large-enrollment courses, promoting active, self-directed learning and contributing to the democratization of teaching tools in university physics.

Authors

Carlos Pineida http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-8396-9711 Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile [biography]

Carlos Pineida is a researcher in experimental physics education and an academic coordinator at Andrés Bello University (Chile). He holds a master’s degree in university teaching and has more than 20 years of experience in higher education. His work focuses on innovation in physics laboratories, active learning methodologies, and the use of technologies such as 3D printing.
Prof. Angeles Dominguez http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6066-355X Universidad Andres Bello, Chile; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico [biography]

Angeles Dominguez is an adjunct researcher at the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico. She also collaborates with the School of Engineering at the Universidad Andres Bello in Santiago, Chile. Angeles holds a bachelor’s degree in physics engineering from Tecnologico de Monterrey and a doctoral degree in Mathematics Education from Syracuse University, NY. Dr. Dominguez is a member of the Researchers’ National System in Mexico (SNI-2) and has been a visiting researcher at Syracuse University, UT-Austin, and Universidad Andres Bello. Her main research areas are interdisciplinary education, teaching methods, faculty development, and gender issues in STEM education. She actively participates in several national and international mathematics, engineering, and science education projects.
Prof. Genaro Zavala http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-5880-1124 Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico; Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile [biography]

Genaro Zavala is the leader of the Socially Oriented Interdisciplinary STEM Education Research Group of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnologico de Monterrey. He collaborates with the Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Andres Bello in Chile. He is National Researcher Level 2 in Mexico. His research lines are interdisciplinary STEM education, social oriented education, conceptual understanding, active learning, assessment tools, and faculty development. Dr. Zavala was appointed to the editorial board of the PRPER (2015-18). In the AAPT, he was a vice-presidential candidate, member of the Committee on Research in Physics Education, member and chair of the International Education Committee, and elected member of Leadership Organizing Physics Education Research Council .
Mr. Felipe Cubillos Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile

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