Project Title: Studying Earth’s Magnetic Field Using a Tangent Galvanometer

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objectives
3. Theoretical Background
3.1 Earth’s Magnetic Field
3.2 Tangent Galvanometer: Principles and Construction
4. Working Principle of Tangent Galvanometer
5. Methodology
5.1 Apparatus Required
5.2 Experimental Setup
6. Procedure
7. Calculations
7.1 Relation Between Earth’s Magnetic Field and Tangent Galvanometer
8. Observation and Data Collection
9. Analysis of Results
10. Applications of Tangent Galvanometer
11. Limitations of the Experiment
12. Precautions
13. Conclusion
14. Future Scope of Study
15. References

1. Introduction
The Earth’s magnetic field, often referred to as the geomagnetic field, is the
magnetic field that extends from the Earth’s interior into space. It shields the
Earth from harmful solar radiation and provides the foundation for
navigational systems, such as the compass. The study of Earth’s magnetic
field provides insight into the planet’s structure and dynamics.
One way to study this magnetic field is by using a tangent galvanometer. This
instrument can be used to measure the horizontal component of Earth’s
magnetic field. By studying the deflection caused by the current passing
through the coil in relation to the Earth’s magnetic field, we can determine the
horizontal component of the geomagnetic field.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this project are:

To understand the working principle of a tangent galvanometer.
To measure the horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field using a
tangent galvanometer.
To explore the relationship between the magnetic field generated by an
electric current and the Earth’s magnetic field.
3. Theoretical Background
3.1 Earth’s Magnetic Field
The Earth’s magnetic field is similar to that of a large bar magnet tilted at an
angle relative to the Earth’s rotational axis. The field extends from the Earth’s
core, where liquid iron generates magnetic forces through the dynamo effect.
This field is generally weaker near the equator and stronger near the poles.

The geomagnetic field has two main components:

1. Horizontal Component (Bh): This is the part of the magnetic field
parallel to the Earth’s surface.
 2. Vertical Component (Bv): This is the component perpendicular to the
Earth’s surface.
In this experiment, we are primarily concerned with measuring the horizontal
component (Bh).
3.2 Tangent Galvanometer: Principles and Construction
The tangent galvanometer is an instrument that uses a coil of wire and a
compass to measure small electric currents. When current flows through the
coil, it generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the coil. The
compass needle placed at the center of the coil aligns itself with the resultant
of this magnetic field and the horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field.
The deflection of the needle from its original position gives a measure of the
strength of the current in the coil and the Earth’s magnetic field. The
apparatus consists of the following parts:
A circular coil with several turns of wire.

A compass placed at the center of the coil.

A calibrated scale to measure the deflection angle of the compass needle.

4. Working Principle of Tangent Galvanometer

The tangent galvanometer works on the principle that when a current flows
through a circular coil placed in the Earth’s magnetic field, the resultant
magnetic field at the center of the coil deflects a compass needle. The angle
of deflection (θ) is related to the magnetic field created by the current in the
coil (B) and the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field (Bh).

The relationship is given by the tangent law of magnetism:

tan(Î) = B/Bh
Where:
B Is the magnetic field due to the current through the coil.
Bh Is the horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field.
Î Is the angle of deflection of the compass needle.

5. Methodology
5.1 Apparatus Required
Tangent Galvanometer (TG)
Ammeter
Rheostat
Battery eliminator

Connecting wires
Key (switch)
Magnetic compass
5.2 Experimental Setup
1. Tangent Galvanometer: The tangent galvanometer consists of a circular
coil and a magnetic compass placed at its center. The coil is mounted
vertically, and its plane can be aligned with the magnetic meridian.
2. Circuit Components: The galvanometer is connected to a circuit with a
battery eliminator, ammeter, and rheostat. The ammeter is used to
measure the current passing through the coil, and the rheostat is used
to vary the current.
3. Compass: A small compass is placed at the center of the coil to
measure the deflection angle caused by the interaction between the
Earth’s magnetic field and the magnetic field generated by the current in
the coil.

6. Procedure
 1. Initial Setup: Place the tangent galvanometer on a horizontal table.
Ensure that the coil is aligned with the magnetic meridian (i.e., the plane
of the coil should be aligned with the north-south direction as indicated
by the compass).
2. Circuit Connections: Connect the tangent galvanometer in series with a
battery eliminator, rheostat, ammeter, and key. Ensure all connections
are secure.
3. Measurement Without Current: Before passing current through the coil,
ensure that the compass needle is pointing to zero (north-south
direction).
4. Switching on the Current: Close the key to allow current to flow through
the coil. Vary the current using the rheostat and observe the deflection
of the compass needle.
5. Recording Deflection Angles: For each current value, record the
corresponding deflection angle of the compass needle. Repeat the
procedure for different current values.
6. Reverse Current: Reverse the direction of the current and take similar
readings. This will help in accounting for any instrumental errors.

7. Calculations
7.1 Relation Between Earth’s Magnetic Field and Tangent Galvanometer
The magnetic field due to the current in the coil is given by:
B = µ0 nI/2r
Where:
µ0 = Permeability of free space (),

n = Number of turns of the coil,

I = Current passing through the coil,
r = Radius of the coil.
Using the tangent law of magnetism:
Tan(î) = B/Bh
We can substitute from the equation above and solve for the horizontal
component of Earth’s magnetic field :
Bh = µ0 nI/2r tan(î)
Observation and Data Collection
For each current value (I) and deflection angle (θ), calculate the
corresponding and use the formula to calculate

Analysis of Results
Plot a graph of current versus to analyze the relationship between the current
and the tangent of the deflection angle. This graph should ideally show a
linear relationship, confirming the validity of the tangent law.
From the graph, calculate the slope and use it to find the horizontal
component of the Earth’s magnetic field .

Applications of Tangent Galvanometer

Measurement of Small Currents: A tangent galvanometer is used to measure
very small currents in circuits.
Magnetic Field Measurements: It is also employed to study and measure the
Earth’s magnetic field, especially its horizontal component.
Calibration of Other Instruments: The galvanometer can be used to calibrate
other magnetic measuring devices due to its high sensitivity.

Limitations of the Experiment

Assumption of Uniform Magnetic Field: The magnetic field inside the coil is
not perfectly uniform, which can cause minor errors in the calculation.
Environmental Interference: The experiment is highly sensitive to external
magnetic fields, which can alter the deflection of the compass needle.
Accuracy of Compass Readings: The compass needle may not respond
accurately to very small deflections, leading to possible inaccuracies in the
results.

Precautions
Aligning the Coil: Ensure that the coil is properly aligned with the magnetic
meridian to avoid errors in the deflection angle.
External Magnetic Fields: Keep any magnetic materials or devices away from
the experimental setup to avoid interference.
Accurate Measurements: Use a well-calibrated ammeter to measure the
current accurately.

Conclusion
This experiment demonstrates how a tangent galvanometer can be used to
measure the horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field. The deflection of
the compass needle due to the current passing through the coil confirms the
relationship between the current in the coil and the horizontal component of
the Earth’s magnetic field. By applying the tangent law of magnetism, we were
able to determine the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field. The
results obtained through this experiment closely match the theoretical
predictions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tangent galvanometer in
measuring small magnetic fields and verifying magnetic properties.
This experiment provides a basic yet fundamental understanding of how
magnetic fields interact with electric currents and highlights the significance
of Earth’s magnetic field in scientific measurements.

14. Future Scope of Study

The study of Earth’s magnetic field using a tangent galvanometer opens up
several avenues for future research and experimentation:
1. Investigation at Different Locations: The Earth’s magnetic field varies at
different geographical locations. This experiment can be conducted at
various locations to study the variation in the horizontal component of
the Earth’s magnetic field.
2. Effects of External Magnetic Fields: Further experiments can explore the
influence of external magnetic fields (such as from nearby electronic
devices) on the readings of the tangent galvanometer.
3. Advanced Magnetic Field Measurement Instruments: While the tangent
galvanometer is a fundamental tool, modern instruments with higher
precision could be used to measure Earth’s magnetic field more
accurately.
4. Exploring Vertical Component of Earth’s Magnetic Field: In addition to
the horizontal component, advanced studies could explore methods to
measure the vertical component of Earth’s magnetic field using other
devices.
5. Magnetic Field Variation Over Time: Long-term studies could be
conducted to observe how Earth’s magnetic field changes over time,
 possibly related to solar activity or changes in the Earth’s core
dynamics.
6. Integration with Modern Technology: Future research could involve
integrating modern data-logging equipment with the tangent
galvanometer to enable real-time measurement and analysis of
magnetic fields.

16. References
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