8

Index
1. Acknowledgment
2. Aim
3. Introduction
4. Tangent galvanometer
5. Theory
6. Applications
7. Apparatus required
8. Circuit diagram
9. Procedure
10. Tabular column
11. Calculation
12. Result
13. Precautions
14. Sources of error
15. Facts
16. Bibliography
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. 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 involves setting
up the tangent galvanometer and calibrating it
using a known magnetic field strength. We will
take measurements at different locations,
adjusting the current through the galvanometer.
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 θ 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 current.
· 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
tan . 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.
TABULAR COLUMN
S.no Current Deflection in tan θ k=i/tanθ

(A) TG(degree) (A)
θ1 θ2 θ3 avg
1 0.1 35 35 35 35 0.7 0.14
2 0.2 39 39 39 39 0.8 0.25

3 0.3 45 45 45 45 1 0.3
CALCULATION
𝟎
𝒉
𝟕
𝒉
N =Number of turns in coil = 50

K = 0.23A
Circumference of coil= 2πR=49cm
Radius of coil= R= 7.8cm
Bh = 2*3.14*50*0.23*10-7/7.8
Bh =9.2*10-7 T
RESULT
The reduction factor of TG, K=0.23A

Horizontal intensity at the place, Bh= 9.2*10-7T
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

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Index

We wish to express our deep gratitude and sincere

 To study the earths magnetic field using

Studying Earth's magnetic field is crucial for

A tangent galvanometer consists of a coil of wire

In this project, we will use a tangent galvanometer

When a bar magnet is suspended in two magnetic

The tangent galvanometer helps in the

· The presence of the currents

Tangent Galvanometer (TG)

Connect the galvanometer , ammeter , key ,

Align the galvanometer such that it creates a

In this setting, the ends of the aluminium pointer

By closing the key K, the current flows in the

Record the reading of the ammeter and the

By changing the value of current, take four or more

Measure the inner and the outer diameter of the

S.no Current Deflection in tan θ k=i/tanθ

1 0.1 35 35 35 35 0.7 0.14

2 0.2 39 39 39 39 0.8 0.25

N =Number of turns in coil = 50

The reduction factor of TG, K=0.23A

 Keep the tangent galvanometer away from

 There may be a magnetic field around the

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