[Gagan singh gaur ] BSc Computer Science, 1st Semester Introduction • • What is Maxwell's Needle? • - A device used to determine the rigidity modulus of a material. • - It measures the twisting oscillations of wires to calculate their rigidity. Parts of Maxwell needle • Main components • • Maxwell's needle • • Set of wires (different materials) • • Stopwatch • • Measuring scale or vernier calipers • • Weights for adding load Principle • • The experiment is based on the torsional oscillation of a needle. • • The rigidity modulus (η) of the material is calculated using: • η = (π × l × I) / (T² × r⁴) • where: • - l: Length of wire • - I: Moment of inertia of the needle • - T: Time period of oscillation • - r: Radius of the wire Procedure • 1. Suspend the needle using the wire whose rigidity is to be determined. • 2. Add a small load to the system. • 3. Twist the needle and release it to oscillate freely. • 4. Measure the time for a set number of oscillations. • 5. Repeat the experiment for different loads and wires. AIM of the practical
To determine the modulus of rigidity of a wire
of some material using Maxwell’s needle. Observation Table • | Load (g) | Time for 10 Oscillations (s) | Time Period (T) = Time / 10 (s) | • |----------|------------------------------|----------------- ----------------| • | ... | ... | ... | • | ... | ... | ... | Formula and Calculations • • Formula: • η = (π × l × I) / (T² × r⁴) • • Steps: • 1. Calculate the time period (T). • 2. Use the radius (r) and length (l) of the wire. • 3. Find the rigidity modulus using the observed values. Result • • The rigidity modulus of the material is calculated. • • Present the values with appropriate units and percentage error (if any). Applications • • Used to study the mechanical properties of wires. • • Helps in material selection for engineering and construction. • • Demonstrates torsional motion and rigidity in physics. Advantages • • Simple and effective for determining rigidity modulus. • • Applicable to various materials. • • Provides hands-on understanding of torsional dynamics. Limitations • • Accuracy depends on the precision of measurements. • • Assumes uniformity of the wire's material. • • External vibrations can affect results.
