Idea generation:
The central idea of this project is to determine
the horizontal component of the Earth’s
magnetic field at the location of the
experiments. This is achieved by utilizing the
tangent law of magnetism. The concept relies on
creating a magnetic field whose magnitude is
directly dependent on a measurable electrical
quantity (in this case current, I). By orienting
the tangent galvanometer correctly the
magnetic needle is acted upon by two
perpendicular magnetic fields: BH and BC. The
resultant force causes the needle to deflect by
an angle (theta). The fundamental equation, Bc =
BHtan(theta) forms the basis of this experiment,
allowing us to calculate BH after measuring the
current and the angle and knowing the
geometrical constraints of the galvanometer
coil.
Apparatus:
Tangent galvanometer (with compass box and
levelIng screws), ammeter, rheostat, power
supply, commutator (reversing key), key
(switch), connecting wires, sandpaper, sprit
level, Vernier caliper.
Theory:
Tangent law: The tangent law of magnetism
states that a freshly suspended magnetic needle
will come to rest as an angle theta with the
horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field
(BH) play subjected to an additional
perpendicular magnetic field B.
tan (theta) = B/BH
Procedure:
1. Level the TG using the sprit level and levelIng
screws.
2. Rotate the entire TG until the aluminum
pointer reads 0° - 0° on the scale. The plane of
the coil is now the Magnetic Meridian aligned
with BH.
3. Connect the components in series.
4. Rotate the coil 90° about its v er tical ax is. The
plane of the coil is now perpendicular to the
Magnetic Meridian, ensuring the coil’s field
(B) is perpendicular to the Earth’s field (BH).
5. Close the key and adjust the rheostat to
produce a deflection (theta) between 30° and
60°.
6. Note the deflection of both ends of the pointer,
(theta)1 and (theta)2.
7. Reverse the current direction using the
commutator and note the new deflections,
(theta)3 and (theta)4.
8. Calculate the mean deflection, (theta)mean =
{(theta)1 + (theta)2 + (theta)3 + (theta)4}/4.
9. Vary the current (I) and repeat steps 5 to 8
for 3 to 5 different values of current.
10. Note the number of turns (N) and measure
the mean radius (R) of the coil.
Diagram:
Observation:
S. Curr Defle Mean tan K= BH =
L. ent ction Deflectio (theta {(mu) (KI)/
N (I) s n )mean N}/(
0 {tan(
o. (A) (degr (theta)mea 2R) theta
ees) n )mean}
(degrees) (Tesl
a)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Number of turns used in the coil, N =
mean radius of the coil, R = m
Permeability of free space, (mu)0 = 4(pi) × 10-7
T.m/A
Calculation:
Mean = (B1 + B2 + B3 + B4 + B5) / 5 =
Result:
The mean BH value is
Precautions:
1. The tangent galvanometer should be leveled
accurately using a sprit level.
2. The coil must be precisely aligned in the
magnetic meridian parallel to BH before
rotating at 90° to per for m the ex per iment.
3. all electrical connections must be clean and
tight.
4. All magnetic materials must be kept far away
from the apparatus.
5. The current should be adjusted to keep the
deflection between 30° and 60° as the
tan(theta) vs (theta) curve is steepest
outside this range leading to a higher error.
6. Parallax must be avoided when reading the
deflections by observing the pointer and its
image in the mirror placed below it.
Sources of error:
1. The coil plane may not exactly be the
Magnetic Meridian before rotation.
2. The centre of the magnetic needle may not be
exactly at the geometric centre of the coil.
3. The needle may not be short as the formula
assumes.
4. The viewing angle may be incorrect.
5. There might be sudden changes in current,
which can induce current in the metal parts.
Bibliography:
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Acknowledgement:
I would like to acknowledge respected principal
and the physics department for giving such a
wonderful topic as a project. I would also like to
acknowledge my physics teacher and my
parents, without whose help the completion of
the project would have been difficult.