D.A.V.

School Sree Nandeeswarar Campus,

Adambakkam , Chennai, Tamil Nadu –
600088

Physics Investigatory
Project: to study
Earth's magnetic field using
tangent galvanometer

GROUP MEMBERS:
S.Harinee
R.S.Lakshmi Narayani
Sneha pradan
S.Varunika
S.Harshini
 Index

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We wish to express our deep gratitude and sincere

thanks to the principal J.Geetha mam for all the facilities
that she provided for this project work. We sincerely
appreciate this magnanimity by taking us into her fold for
which we shall remain indebted to her. We extend our
hearty thanks to Mrs. N.Sumathi mam , physics
teacher ,who guided us to the successful completion of
this project. We take this opportunity to express our
deep sense of gratitude for her invaluable guidance,
constant encouragement, constructive comments ,
intense motivation which has sustained our efforts at all
stages of this project work.
 AIM

 To study the earths magnetic field using

tangent galvanometer
 To find out the horizontal component of earths
magnetic field
 INTRODUCTION

Studying Earth's magnetic field is crucial for

understanding various natural phenomena and
has practical applications in navigation,
communication, and geology. One way to
investigate the Earth's magnetic field is by using a
tangent galvanometer, a device that measures the
horizontal component of the magnetic field.
The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the
motion of molten iron and nickel in its outer core.
This creates a complex magnetic field that extends
from the Earth's interior into space, forming a
protective shield around the planet. The strength
and direction of this magnetic field vary depending
on the location on the Earth's surface .
 TANGENT GALVANOMETER

A tangent galvanometer consists of a coil of wire

suspended within a magnetic field. When a current
passes through the coil, it experiences a torque
due to the interaction between the magnetic field
and the current. By adjusting the current until the
coil aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, the
angle of deflection can be measured and used to
determine the strength of the magnetic field.

In this project, we will use a tangent galvanometer

to measure the horizontal component of the
Earth's magnetic field at different locations. By
comparing these measurements, we can observe
how the strength and direction of the magnetic
field vary across the Earth's surface.

To conduct the experiment, we will need a tangent

galvanometer, a power source, a compass for
determining the direction of the Earth's magnetic
field, and a method for measuring the angle of
deflection of the galvanometer coil. Additionally,
we will need to record the geographic coordinates
of each measurement location to account for
variations in the Earth's magnetic field.

The procedure for the experiment will involve

setting up the tangent galvanometer and
calibrating it using a known magnetic field
strength. We will then take measurements at
different locations, adjusting the current through
the galvanometer until the coil aligns with the
Earth's magnetic field. By recording the angle of
deflection and the geographic coordinates of each
measurement location, we can create a map
showing the variation in the Earth's magnetic field
strength.

The results of the experiment will provide valuable

insights into the Earth's magnetic field and its
spatial variation. By understanding how the
magnetic field varies across the Earth's surface,
we can better comprehend its underlying
mechanisms and how it affects various natural and
technological processes.

In conclusion, studying Earth's magnetic field

using a tangent galvanometer is an informative
and engaging project that allows us to explore the
fundamental forces shaping our planet. Through
careful experimentation and analysis, we can gain
a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect
of Earth science
 THEORY

When a bar magnet is suspended in two magnetic

fields B and Bh, it comes to rest making an angle
with the direction of Bh.

From Figure B = Bh tanθ. This is known as tangent

law of magnetism.
If O is the deflection of the needle, then according
to tangent law,
B = Bh tanθ----------(1)
Let I be the current passing through the coil of
radius a with n turns, then the magnetic field
generated by the current carrying coil is,
B=μ0nl/2r---------------(2)
(r is the radius of the coil)
Equating (1) and (2), we get,
Bh tanθ = μ0nl/2r------(3)
2rBh/µ0n = I/tanθ------(4)
The left hand side of equation (4) is a constant and
is called the reduction factor K of the given
Tangent Galvanometer.
K = I/tanθ---------------(5)
Now from the equation (3) & (5), the horizontal
intensity of Earth's magnetic field Bh is,
Bh = µ0nK/2r-----------(6)
 APPLICATIONS OF TANGENT
GALVANOMETER

The tangent galvanometer helps in the

measurement of electric current. This instrument is
able to measure the following:

· The presence of the currents

· The direction of the currents
· The power of the currents

Uses of Tangent Galvanometer

Uses of tangent galvanometer:

· It helps in investigating the magnetic field at the
central portion of a loop of wire that carries
current.
· Facilitates the verification of the right-hand rule
for the field inside the current loop.
· It makes possible the investigation of the vector
nature of magnetic fields and it helps in
understanding how they add vectorially.
· One can easily verify the relationship between
the magnetic field inside the current loop, the
current itself, and the number of turns with a
tangent galvanometer. Here, the Earth’s field is
used as a reference.
· It helps in the determination of the accurate
strength of the magnetic field of the Earth.
 APPARATUS REQUIRED

Tangent Galvanometer (TG)

Commutator (C)
Rheostat (R)
Battery (E)
Ammeter (A)
Key (K)
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
 PROCEDURE

Connect the galvanometer , ammeter , key ,

commutator and battery in series

Align the galvanometer such that it creates a

magnetic field perpendicular to that of Earth’s field
(the compass needle should be parallel to the wire
loop). Do not move the galvanometer while taking
data.

In this setting, the ends of the aluminium pointer

should read zero-zero. If this is not so, rotate the
box without disturbing the position of the coil till at
least one of the ends of the pointer stands at the
zero marks.

By closing the key K, the current flows in the

galvanometer. Read the both ends of the pointer.
Now reverse the direction of current by using the
reversing key.
By adjusting the rheostat, bring the deflection in
galvanometer around the range 30˚-60˚.

Record the reading of the ammeter and the

deflection of the compass needle in the box shown
by two ends of pointer on the scale.

By changing the value of current, take four or more

set of readings and plot the graph between I and
tan𝜃. The graph will be a straight line.

Measure the inner and the outer diameter of the coil with
a screw gauge at least three times.

2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9 1 1.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.9 2
 TABULAR COLUMN

PSR HSR CHSD(div) HSR(mm) TR(mm)

(mm) (mm) HSD ±ZC CHSD*LC PSR+MSR

S.n current Deflection in tan θ k=1/

o TG(degre) tanθ
(A)
θ1 θ2 θ3 θ4
 CALCULATION

μ0 Nk
B h=
2R

−7
2 ΠNk∗10
B h=
R

N =Number of turns in coil =

K=
 RESULT

The reduction factor of T.G, K=____A

Horizontal Intensity at the place, B = _____×10-5 T

h
 PRECAUTIONS

 Keep the tangent galvanometer away from an ammeter.

 The circular platform must be properly leveled
horizontally.
 Before taking the reading of the pointer of a tangent
galvanometer, the sight should be so adjusted that the
pointer and its image in the mirror, become collinear.
 The rheostat should be so adjusted that the deflection is
between 300 and 600.
 The coil of the tangent galvanometer should be
adjusted parallel to the magnetic field of the earth.

SOURCES OF ERROR
 There may be a magnetic field around the apparatus .
 The plane of coil will not be exactly in the magnetic
meridian

FACTS:
 A tangent galvanometer is an early measuring
instrument used for the measurement of
electric current.
 It works by using a compass needle to
compare a magnetic field generated by the
unknown current to the magnetic field of the
Earth.
 It gets its name from its operating principle, the
tangent law of magnetism, which states that
the tangent of the angle a compass needle
makes is proportional to the ratio of the
strengths of the two perpendicular magnetic
fields.
 It was first described by Johan Jakob
Nervander in 1834.

BIBLIOGRAPHY :
 https://www.scribd.com
 Academia.edu
 https://byjus.com
 www.vendatu .com
 www.testbook.com
 www.toppr.com
 Wikipedia
 EarthBField.pdf (olemiss.edu)
 gal.pdf (mccc.edu)
 johnwellphy1.blogspot.com