Making the invisible visible: Visualization of the connection between magnetic field, electric current, and Lorentz force with the help of augmented reality

Abstract

When introducing electromagnetism in schools, one specific experiment is inevitable: the force on a current-carrying conductor. Predicting the direction of the Lorentz force, the orientation of the magnetic field, and the direction of the electric current often causes difficulties for students. Here we present visual concept-relevant augmentations of the experiment that use the Microsoft HoloLens, which intends to counteract common students’ misconceptions by taking relevant principles of educational psychology into account.