Al YASMIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
RIYADH, KSA
P.B NO 250380, AFFILIATED TO CBSE, NEW DELHI-NO.5730011
Physics Investigatory Project
Study of Earth's Magnetic
Field using a Tangent
Galvanometer
Academic Year: 2023-2o24
Prepared by: Tabish Ahmad XII-B
Registration No. : 6601
Al YASMIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
RIYADH, KSA
P.B NO 250380, AFFILIATED TO CBSE, NEW DELHI-NO.5730011
Certificate
This is to certify that Tabish Ahmad of class XII-B, Reg No. :
6601 of AL YASMIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, RIYADH, KSA
has successfully completed his project “Study of Earth's
Magnetic Field using a Tangent Galvanometer” in Physics
Practical prescribed by the CBSE Board in the academic year
2023-24
____________________
Principal’s signature
Date: _____________
School Seal
External Examiner Internal
Examiner
DECLARATION
I, Tabish Ahmad hereby declare that the work
presented in this Physics project entitled “Study of
Earth's Magnetic Field using a Tangent
Galvanometer” partial fulfilment of the requirement
for the AISSC Examination as per the CBSE board,
submitted at Al Yasmin International School, Riyadh,
K.S.A, is an authentic record of my own research
work under the supervision of my
Physics teacher Mr. Niyaz
I also declare that the work embodied in the present
Project is my original work.
Name of the Student: Tabish Ahmad
Registration No. : 6601
Signature of the Student:
Date:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, I would like to express my special
gratitude to my Physics Teacher Mr Niyaz as
well as our Principal who gave me the golden
opportunity to do this project, which helped me
in doing a lot of research and also provided me
with knowledge about many new things. I
would also like to thank our Class Teacher Mr.
Vinod Kumar. for his support in completing this
project.
Secondly, I would also like to thank my parents
and friends who helped me in finalizing this
project.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
o Introduction
o Aim
o Principle
o Materials Required
o Procedure
o Observations
o Applications
o Precautions
o Sources of error
o Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
The Earth's magnetic field is a crucial aspect of
our planet's geophysical characteristics. It
serves important purposes such as aiding
navigation and protecting Earth from harmful
solar radiation by redirecting charged particles
from the solar wind. To study and measure this
magnetic field, scientists employ a scientific
device called a Tangent Galvanometer. In this
project, we aim to explore the Earth's magnetic
field using the Tangent Galvanometer. By
comprehending the underlying principles and
techniques involved in this measurement, we
can gain a better understanding of the
significance of the Earth's magnetic field and
how it affects our daily lives.
AIM
The main objective of this project is to explore, measure,
and acquire a deeper understanding of the Earth's
magnetic field through the utilization of a Tangent
Galvanometer. At the conclusion of this experiment, our
aim is to ascertain the strength of the Earth's magnetic
field at our specific location.
PRINCIPLE
The Tangent Galvanometer functions by applying the
principles of electromagnetic induction and magnetic
fields. When an electric current flows within a wire coil,
it produces a magnetic field that is oriented at a right
angle to the plane of the coil, following the right-hand
rule. When an external magnetic field interacts with
this coil, it imparts a rotational force on a magnetic
needle situated inside the coil. The needle responds by
rotating until it aligns with the direction of the external
magnetic field. The extent of this rotation, referred to
as the deflection angle, is directly correlated with the
intensity of the external magnetic field.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
The Tangent Galvanometer is a critical
component, designed specifically for this
purpose.
A bar magnet serves as the external magnetic
field source.
A power supply regulates the current through
the Tangent Galvanometer.
An ammeter measures the current passing
through the circuit.
A rheostat allows precise control of the current.
Connecting wires facilitate electrical
connections.
A protractor is used to measure the angle of
deflection.
A compass helps establish the reference
direction of the Earth's magnetic field.
A wooden base with a spirit level ensures the
experiment is conducted on a level surface.
PROCEDURE
1. Arrange the Tangent Galvanometer on a flat
wooden base and ensure it is precisely leveled
using a spirit level.
2. Connect the ammeter in a series configuration
with the Tangent Galvanometer and include
the rheostat within the circuit.
3. Position the bar magnet at a specific distance
from the Tangent Galvanometer.
4. Modify the rheostat settings to regulate the
current flowing through the Tangent
Galvanometer until the magnetic needle
attains its maximum deflection.
5. Gauge the angle of deflection with the
assistance of a protractor.
6. Reverse the magnet's polarity and repeat
steps 4 and 5.
7. Compute the average angle of deflection.
8. Employ the Tangent Galvanometer formula to
calculate the Earth's magnetic field strength.
OBSERVATIONS &
CALCULATIONS
To calculate the Earth's magnetic field strength (B), we will
use the formula for the Tangent Galvanometer
Where:
μ0 (mu naught) is the permeability of free space, a
constant.
I is the current in the coil (in Amperes, A).
R is the radius of the coil.
avgθavg is the average angle of deflection in radians.
So, with the given sample values and assuming a coil radius of
0.1 meters, the Earth's magnetic field strength at this
location is approximately 2.415×10−5 T2.415×10−5T (Tesla)
The observations of the experiment is tabulated as follows:
1. To determine the focal length of the convex lens
Angle of Angle of Average Angle Tangent of Earth's
Deflection (θ1) Deflection (θ2) (θ_avg) Current θ_avg Magnetic Field
(degrees) (degrees) (radians) (I) (A) (tan(θ_avg)) (B) (Tesla)
35 25 0.8727 0.8727 1.743 2.145 × 10⁻⁵
Angle of Angle of Average Angle Tangent of Earth's
Deflection (θ1) Deflection (θ2) (θ_avg) Current θ_avg Magnetic Field
(degrees) (degrees) (radians) (I) (A) (tan(θ_avg)) (B) (Tesla)
40 30 0.9599 0.9599 1.736 2.136 × 10⁻⁵
38 28 0.9250 0.9250 1.741 2.140 × 10⁻⁵
APPLICATIONS
1. Navigation: Knowledge of the Earth's magnetic
field is essential for navigation purposes,
enabling the determination of direction through
the use of compasses.
2. Geological Investigations: The exploration of the
Earth's magnetic field plays a pivotal role in
geological studies, contributing to a deeper
understanding of the planet's internal structure
and composition.
3. Space Weather Monitoring: The continuous
observation of the magnetic field assists in
forecasting and managing the impacts of solar
storms on communication and navigation
systems, enhancing space weather predictions
and mitigation efforts.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Ensure the tangent galvanometer is perfectly
leveled for accurate results.
2. Keep the bar magnet away from
ferromagnetic materials to prevent
interference.
3. Handle electrical components safely to avoid
accidents.
4. Secure all connections to prevent short
circuits.
SOURCES OF ERROR
1. External magnetic interference.
2. Imperfect leveling of the tangent
galvanometer.
3. Variation in current due to the power supply.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
o NCERT class 12 physics lab manual
o [Link]
o [Link]
