HINDUSTAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL, PADUR
(Affiliated to the central board of secondary education, New Delhi,
Affiliation No:1931031, School Code : 55940)
GRADE - XII
PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED BY
KAMALESH SATHISH
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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project report entitled “TO STUDY THE
EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD USING A COMPASS NEEDLE AND
BAR MAGNET BY PLOTTING MAGNETIC FIELD LINES”
submitted by Mohammed Aymaan of grade XII with
Roll No. ___________________ for the AISSCE - 2024-25 at Hindustan
International School, Padur has been examined. This report is checked
by the Practical External/Internal Examiner on __________________.
Signature of the Internal Examiner Signature of the External Examiner
Signature of the Principal
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DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
CERTIFICATE
I would like to express my deep sense of honour and gratitude to my
project guide, Ms. Kokila, for guiding and mentoring me through the course of
the project. She always evinced keen interest in my work. Her constructive
advice and constant motivation have been responsible for the successful
completion of this project.
My sincere regards go to our respected Principal, Ms. Susan George, for
extending every possible support for the completion of this project.
I also extend my obligation to my Parents for their motivation and support.
I must thank my classmates for their timely help and support in the completion of
this project.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all those who helped me directly
or indirectly towards the successful completion of this project.
KAMALESH SATHISH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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[Link] TOPICS PG.N
O
1. INTRODUCTION 5
2. AIM 6
3. APPARATUS REQUIRED 7
4. THEORY 8
5. PROCEDURE 10
6. OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION 12
7. PRECAUTION 14
8. SOUCES OF ERROR 15
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
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INTRODUCTION
Magnetism is a fundamental property of materials that respond to the
magnetic field. The Earth itself behaves like a giant magnet due to the
movement of molten iron in its outer core, generating a magnetic field
that extends into space. This geomagnetic field is vital for navigation
and protection against solar winds.
To understand magnetic fields, especially the Earth's magnetic field,
we can use simple tools like a compass needle and a bar magnet. A
compass needle aligns with the local magnetic field, helping us
visualize magnetic lines of force. A tangent galvanometer is an
instrument that allows us to measure the horizontal component of
Earth’s magnetic field by analyzing the deflection caused by the
interaction between a known magnetic field (from a current-carrying
coil) and the Earth's field.
In this experiment, we first plot the magnetic field lines of a bar
magnet using a compass needle to understand the field pattern. Then,
using a tangent galvanometer, we measure the Earth's horizontal
magnetic field component, providing both qualitative and quantitative
insights into geomagnetism.
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AIM
To study the Earth's magnetic field and the magnetic field of a bar
magnet by:
1. Plotting magnetic field lines using a compass needle.
2. Using a tangent galvanometer to determine the horizontal
component of Earth’s magnetic field.
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APPARATUS REQUIRED
Drawing board, White paper, Bar magnet, Compass, needle Pins or
tape Ruler and pencil Tangent galvanometer Battery eliminator or cell
Ammeter Rheostat, Connecting wires
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THEORY
A tangent galvanometer (TG) is an early scientific instrument used to
measure small electric currents. It consists of a circular coil of
insulated copper wire wound on a non-magnetic frame. The working
principle of a tangent galvanometer is based on the tangent law of
magnetism, which applies when a magnetic needle is acted upon by
two perpendicular magnetic fields.
When a current III flows through the circular coil, it generates a
magnetic field BBB at the center of the coil. This field is perpendicular
to the plane of the coil. If the coil is aligned such that the horizontal
component of Earth’s magnetic field BHB_HBH lies in the plane of the
coil, then the needle of the compass (placed at the center)
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experiences two mutually perpendicular magnetic fields: one due to
the coil (BBB) and the other due to the Earth (BHB_HBH).
Under these conditions, the needle deflects by an angle θ\thetaθ, and
according to the tangent law:
B = Bh tan.......(1)
Let / is the current passing through the coil of radius a with n turns,
then the field generated by the current carrying circular coil is,
B = μ0 ml/ 2a.....(2)
Equating (1) and (2), we get,
Bh tan∅ = μ0 ml/ 2a......(3)
2aBh/μ0n= 1/tan∅ .........(4)
The left hand side of equation (4) is a constant and is called the
reduction factor (K) of the given tangent galvanometer.
K = 1/tan∅........(5)
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PROCEDURE
Connections and Setup:
Connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram, where:
● K is the key (switch),
● E is the battery or battery eliminator,
● A is the ammeter,
● R is the rheostat (for varying current),
● C is the commutator (to reverse current in the TG only),
● T.G is the tangent galvanometer.
The commutator allows the direction of current in the TG to be
reversed without changing its magnitude, helping average out errors
due to imperfect coil alignment.
Steps:
1. The plane of the coil is made vertical by adjusting the leveling
screws.
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2. The compass box alone is rotated so that the 90°–90° line in the
compass box lies along the plane of the coil.
3. The tangent galvanometer as a whole is rotated until the
aluminium pointer reads 0°–0°.
4. Note down the number of turns in the coil.
5. A suitable current is allowed to pass through the coil using the
rheostat.
6. Note down the current value and the deflection angle shown by
the tangent galvanometer.
7. Reverse the current using the commutator and note the
deflection again.
8. Repeat the procedure for different values of current.
9. Plot a graph of III (current) vs. tanθ\tan \thetatanθ (deflection
angle).
10. Measure the radius of the coil by wrapping a thread around
its perimeter, then use the formula:
Radius a=Perimeter/2π
[Link] the values, determine:
a) The reduction factor (K):K=I/tanθ
b) The horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic
field:
Bh=μ0nI/2atanθ
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OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION
GRAPH:
Slope of straight line = BC / AC
m = tanθ / I
Now substitute the m in Eq. (4),
m = μ₀ 2πN / 4π RH
Then, H = = 7.6867 × 10⁻⁸ T
RESULT:
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The value of earth’s magnetic field by using a tangent galvanometer is
H = 7.6867 × 10⁻⁸ T
Table1: for variation of ∅ with I
[Link] Value of deflection θ(degree) Mean tanθ Ammeter
reading(A)
For direct For reverse
current current
Obs Correcte
d
θ₁ θ2 θ3 θ4
1. 35 35 36 34 35.00 0.70 0.23 0.23
2. 49 48 46 49 48.00 1.11 0.33 0.33
3. 50 57 53 54 53.50 1.35 0.42 0.42
4. 37 36 32 38 35.75 0.72 0.22 0.22
5. 45 46 53 62 51.50 1.26 0.10 0.10
Table2: For radius of tangent Galvanometer
[Link] Inner Outer Mean Mean Radius
diameter d1 diameter d2 diameter (d) (cm)
(cm) (cm)
1. 16.0 × 10⁻² 16.40 × 10⁻² 16.20 × 10⁻² 8.10 × 10⁻²
2. 16.16 × 10⁻² 16.08 × 10⁻² 16.12 × 10⁻² 8.06 × 10⁻²
3. 16.06 × 10⁻² 16.10 × 10⁻² 16.08 × 10⁻² 8.04 × 10⁻²
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PRECAUTIONS
● Place the tangent galvanometer on a perfectly level surface and align it
accurately along the magnetic meridian.
● Keep the setup away from magnetic materials and electrical devices to avoid
external interference.
● Use small and steady current to prevent coil heating and maintain accurate
readings.
● Reverse the current and take the average deflection to reduce systematic
errors.
● Ensure the compass needle moves freely without obstruction or friction.
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SOURCE OF ERROR
Misalignment of the tangent galvanometer with the magnetic meridian.
External magnetic interference from nearby objects or devices.
The plane of coil must be set in magnetic meridian.
There should be no parallax in noting down the readings of ammeter and
deflection.
All the readings should be adjusted between 30° and 60°.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
● [Link]
● [Link]
Magnetic-Field-using-a-tangent-galvanometer
● [Link]
a-compass-natal-bar-magnet-wire-plotting-magnetic-field-lines-and-tangent-
galvanometer-pdf/269864448
● [Link]
to_study_earths_magnetic_field_using_a_tangent_galvanometer
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