PHYSICS PROJECT
to study earths magnetic field using a tanget galvanometer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our
sincere gratitude to all those who
have contributed to the successful
completion of this project. We are
especially thankful to Narmata
ma’am for her invaluable
guidance and support. Her
expertise and encouragement has
been instrumental in shaping this
project. We would also like to
thank our principal ma’am for her
unwavering belief in us and for
providing us with the necessary
resources. Finally, we would like
to acknowledge the contributions
of our classmates, whose
insightful feedback and
collaborative spirit have enriched
this project.
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THEORY
3. AIM
4. MATERIALS REQUIRED
5. DIAGRAM
6. PROCEDURE
7. OBSERVATIONS
8. OBSERVATION TABLE
9. CALCULATIONS
10. RESULT
11. PRECAUTIONS
12. SOURCES OF ERROR
13. ADVANTAGES
14. DISADVANTAGES
15. FUTURE SCOPE
16. MODIFICATIONS
17. BIBLIOGRAPHY
INRODUCTION:
The Earth behaves like a giant magnet with
its magnetic field extending into space. This
field plays a crucial role in shielding us from
harmful cosmic radiation and guiding
migratory birds. A tangent galvanometer is
a device used to measure the strength of a
magnetic field. By utilizing this instrument,
we can determine the horizontal component
of Earth's magnetic field.
THEORY:
When a current (I) flows through a
circular coil of radius (r) with N turns, it
generates a magnetic field (B) at its
center, given by:
B = (μ₀NI) / (2r)
where μ₀ is the permeability of free
space.
When this coil is placed in the Earth's
magnetic field (BH), the magnetic needle
of the tangent galvanometer
experiences two perpendicular magnetic
fields:
BH: Earth's horizontal magnetic field
B: Magnetic field due to the current in
the coil
The needle aligns itself along the
resultant of these two fields, making an
angle θ with BH. According to the
tangent law:
B / BH = tanθ
Combining the two equations, we get:
BH = (μ₀NI) / (2r tanθ)
By measuring the current (I), number of
turns (N), radius (r), and deflection angle
(θ), we can calculate the value of BH.
AIM : To study the earth’s
magnetic field using a tangent
galvanometer
MATERIALS REQUIRED :
Tangent galvanometer
Battery
Rheostat
Ammeter
Key
Reversing key
Metre scale
Sprit level
DIAGRAM :
PROCEDURE :
a. The leveling screws at the base of TG are
adjusted so that the circular turn table is
horizontal and the plane of the circular coil
is vertical.
b. The circular coil is rotated so that its
plane is in the magnetic meridian i.e., along
the north-south direction.
c. The compass box alone is rotated till the
aluminium pointer reads 0° − 0°.
· The connections are made as shown in
Figure (c).
· The number of turns n is selected and
the circuit is switched on.
· The range of current through TG is
chosen in such a way that the deflection of
the aluminium pointer lies between 30° −
60°.
· A suitable current is allowed to pass
through the circuit, the deflections θ1 and
θ2 are noted from two ends of the
aluminium pointer.
· Now the direction of current is
reversed using commutator C, the
deflections θ3 and θ4 in the opposite
direction are noted.
· The mean value θ of θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4 is
calculated and tabulated.
· The reduction factor k is calculated for
each case and it is found that k is a
constant.
· The experiment is repeated for various
values of current and the readings are noted
and tabulated.
· The radius of the circular coil is found
by measuring the circumference of the coil
using a thread around the coil.
· From the values of r, n and k, the
horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic
field is determined.
OBSERVATIONS:
1)Range of ammeter =
2) Least count of ammeter =
3) Zero error in ammeter =
4) Number of turns used (N) =
OBSERVATION TABLES:
GRAPH:
RESULT :
The value of earth’s magnetic field using
tangent galvanometer is =
PRECAUTION:
Ensure the tangent galvanometer is leveled
properly.
Avoid parallax error while reading the deflection
angle.
Use a steady current to get accurate readings.
Keep the tangent galvanometer away from
magnetic disturbances.
SOURCES OF ERROR :
Parallax error in reading the
deflection angle.
Resistance of the coil.
Earth's magnetic field fluctuations.
Imperfections in the tangent
galvanometer.
ADVANTAGES:
Simple and easy to use.
Provides a direct measurement of Earth's magnetic
field.
Can be used to study the effects of magnetic fields
on various phenomena.
DISADVANTAGES :
Sensitivity is limited.
Accuracy depends on various factors
like temperature and humidity.
Requires careful setup and precise
measurements.
FUTURE SCOPE :
Explore the variation of Earth's magnetic field with
location and time.
Investigate the impact of solar activity on Earth's
magnetic field.
Develop more precise and sensitive instruments
for measuring magnetic fields.
MODIFICATIONS :
Use a digital ammeter for more accurate current
readings.
Incorporate temperature compensation techniques
also utilize advanced data acquisition systems for
automated measurements.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. NCERT Physics Textbook for Class
12
2. Online resources and articles on
tangential galvanometer and earth’s
magnetic field
3. www.youtube.com and
www.google.com
