Aim of project
To study earth’s magnetic field
using a compass needle bar magnet
by plotting magnetic field lines and
tangent galvanometer.
EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD
Earth's magnetic field is a complex and
dynamic force that surrounds the planet. It
is generated by the movement of molten
iron and nickel in the outer core of the
Earth. The movement of these electrically
charged materials creates electric
currents, which, in turn, generate the
magnetic field.
Earth's magnetic field is not only essential
for practical applications like navigation
but also crucial for scientific research
across. The information obtained through
magnetic field measurements contributes
to a deeper understanding of our planet's
structure, dynamics, and interactions with
the solar system.
Required Apparatus
1. Bar Magnet: Generates a magnetic field; its
orientation can be adjusted.
2. Compass Needle: Detects and aligns with
magnetic field lines.
3. Graph Paper: Used for mapping and
recording compass needle positions.
4. Tangent Galvanometer: Measures
magnetic field strength; coil suspended in
the field.
5. Ruler: Provides accurate measurements on
graph paper.
6. Conducting Wires: Connects tangent
galvanometer to the bar magnet.
7. Non-Magnetic Surface: Platform to place
the bar magnet, preventing interference.
8. Lab Stand or Support: Holds the bar
magnet in place for stability.
TANGENT GALVANOMETER
A tangent galvanometer is an instrument
used to measure the strength and
direction of a magnetic field. It operates on
the principle of the interaction between a
magnetic field and an electric current
flowing through a coil of wire.
A tangent galvanometer is a simple yet
effective instrument for measuring the
strength of magnetic fields. Its design and
operation make it a valuable tool for the
study of magnetism and
electromagnetism.
Finding the earth’s magnetic
field using a compass needle
bar magnet by plotting
magnetic field lines and
tangent galvanometer.
STEPS:-
1. Setting up the Experiment:
Place the bar magnet on a flat, non-
magnetic surface to ensure stability.
Ensure the bar magnet is free to rotate so
that its orientation can be adjusted during
the experiment.
Confirm that the experiment is conducted in
an area with minimal external magnetic
interference.
2. Finding the Magnetic North:
Allow the bar magnet to come to rest.
Identify the end pointing towards the Earth's
geographic north as the magnetic north
pole. This is the end that attracts the north-
seeking pole of a compass.
3. Placing the Compass Needle:
Position the compass needle near the north
pole of the bar magnet.
Observe and note the direction in which the
compass needle aligns itself. This direction
represents the local magnetic field direction.
4. Marking Points:
Mark the position of the compass needle on
the graph paper.
Rotate the bar magnet to different angles
and repeat, marking new positions of the
compass needle.
This step helps in creating a set of data
points for mapping the magnetic field lines.
5. Connecting Points:
Connect the marked points on the graph
paper to form a smooth line.
This line represents the direction of the
magnetic field at those points around the
bar magnet. Magnetic field lines typically
extend from the north pole to the south pole.
6. Repeat for Different Locations:
Move the bar magnet to different locations
on the graph paper.
Repeat steps 3-5 for each new location to
create a map of magnetic field lines around
the magnet.
This step helps in observing how the
magnetic field lines vary at different
positions.
7. Using the Tangent Galvanometer:
Place the tangent galvanometer near the bar
magnet.
Connect the galvanometer to the bar
magnet using conducting wires.
Adjust the orientation of the bar magnet to
align it with the magnetic meridian (the
north-south direction).
8. Mapping Magnetic Field Lines:
Record the deflection angle of the
galvanometer needle when aligned with the
magnetic meridian.
Combine data from the compass needle and
tangent galvanometer readings.
Use the compass needle data to determine
the direction of the magnetic field lines and
the galvanometer readings for an estimate
of the field strength.
Map the magnetic field lines on the graph
paper by considering both direction and
strength information.
9. Analysis:
Analyze the magnetic field lines to
understand Earth's magnetic field at
different locations.
Note any patterns or variations in strength
and direction.
Compare and contrast the qualitative
information obtained from the compass
needle with the quantitative information
from the tangent galvanometer.
PRECAUTIONS:
Ensure the stability of the bar magnet during
measurements.
Take readings at various distances and angles from
the magnet.
Account for and minimize external magnetic
influences.
Follow safety guidelines and procedures in the
laboratory.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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2._Bar_magnet.pdf.