Current Carrying Coil Setup

NV6034

Learning Material
Ver 1.1

141-B, Electronic Complex,

Pardeshipura, Indore- 452 010
India Tel.: 91-731- 4211500
Email: info@nvistech.com
Toll free: 1800-103-5050
 NV6034

Current Carrying Coil Setup

NV6034
Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Features 4

3. Technical Specifications 5

4. Theory 6

5. Experiments
Experiment 1 27
Determination of the radius of a current carrying coil

Experiment 2 30
Determination of the magnetic field with the variation of distance
along the axis of current carrying coil

6. Warranty 34

7. List of Accessories 34

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 2

NV6034

Introduction
NV6034 Current Carrying Coil Setup is useful to understand the concept of
electromagnetism. Our setup is helpful for study of magnetic field around the current
carrying coil. The setup illustrates how magnetic field generates by applying electric
current in any current carrying conductor. For this purpose tangent galvanometer is
used, which is based on tangent law of magnetism. Our setup consists of two parts:
tangent galvanometer and measurement unit.
Measurement unit comprises DC Power Supply, variable resistance, reversing key and
ammeter. DC Power Supply generates magnetic fields around the current carrying coil
and variable resistance controls the amount of current flowing in the coil and
measured by ammeter. Reversing key plays very important role, it change the
direction of current in forward and reverse direction, and hence we need not to change
any external connections.
A Tangent Galvanometer consists of a coil having different number of turns of
insulated copper wire wound on a circular non-magnetic frame. The frame is mounted
vertically on a horizontal base. A magnetometer is mounted horizontally at the center
of a circular scale. It consists of a tiny, powerful magnetic needle pivoted at the center
of the coil. The magnetic needle is free to rotate in the horizontal plane. The circular
scale is divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant is graduated from 0° to 90°. A
long thin aluminium pointer is attached to the needle at its center and at right angle to
it. To avoid errors due to parallax a plane mirror is mounted below the magnetometer
needle.
The magnetic effect of an electric current was discovered by Hans Christian Oersted
in 1820. Oersted found that a wire carrying a current was able to deflect a magnetic
needle. To demonstrate the effect, a plotting magnetometer is placed close to a long
straight wire which is carrying current. A deflection is noted, by reversing the
direction of the current, the magnetometer needle will be deflected in the opposite
sense.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 3

NV6034

Features

o A complete setup requires no other accessory

o Precise Tangent Galvanometer
o Sliding Magnetometer
o Compact designed
o DC power supply replaced battery
o Exhaustive learning material
o 2 year warranty

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 4

NV6034

Technical Specifications

Mains : 230V ±10%, 50 Hz

Fuse : 0.5A
DC Power Supply : 5 Volt, 2.6 A
DC Ammeter : 0-3 A
Reversing Key : 2 Pole, 2 Way
On-Off Key : 1 Pole, 2 Way
Variable resistance : 0-100 Ohm
Tangent Galvanometer :
Type : Stewart and Gee
Scale : 40-0-40 cm
Magnetometer :
Pointer : Aluminium
o o
Quadrant : 0 -90 (Four)
Coil :
Type : Aluminium
Diameter : 19 cm
Wire : Insulated copper
Turns : C to (5, 50,100,200, 500)

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 5

NV6034

Theory
Magnetic Materials :
Every electron by its nature, is a small magnet. Ordinarily, the countless electrons in a
material are randomly oriented in different directions, leaving no effect on average,
but in a bar magnet the electrons are aligned in the same direction, so they act co-
operatively, creating a net magnetic field.
In addition to the electron's intrinsic magnetic field, there is sometimes an additional
magnetic field that results from the electron's orbital motion about the nucleus. This
effect is analogous to how a current-carrying loop of wire generates a magnetic field.
Again, ordinarily, the motion of the electrons is such that there is no average field
from the material, but in certain conditions, the motion can line up so as to produce a
measurable total field.
The overall magnetic behaviour of a material can vary widely, depending on the
structure of the material, and particularly on its electron configuration. Several forms
of magnetic behaviour have been observed in different materials, including :
1. Diamagnetism
2. Paramagnetism
3. Ferromagnetism
1. Diamagnetism :
Diamagnetism is weak repulsion from a magnetic field. It is a form of magnetism that
is only exhibited by a substance in the presence of an externally applied magnetic
field.

Figure 1
All materials show a diamagnetic response in an applied magnetic field. In fact,
diamagnetism is a very general phenomenon, because all paired electrons, including
the core electrons of an atom, will always make a weak diamagnetic contribution to
the material's response. However, for materials that show some other form of
magnetism (such as ferromagnetism or paramagnetism), the diamagnetism is
completely overpowered. Substances that mostly display diamagnetic behaviour are
termed diamagnetic materials, or diamagnets. Materials that are said to be
diamagnetic are those that are usually considered by non-physicists to be "non-
magnetic", and include water, wood, most organic compounds such as petroleum and
some plastics, and many metals including copper, particularly the heavy ones with
many core electrons, such as mercury, gold and bismuth.
Diamagnetic materials have a relative magnetic permeability that is less than 1, thus a
magnetic susceptibility which is less than 0, and are therefore repelled by magnetic
fields.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 6

NV6034

2. Paramagnetism :
Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism which occurs only in the presence of an
externally applied magnetic field. Paramagnetic materials are attracted to magnetic
fields, hence have a relative magnetic permeability greater than one (or, equivalently,
a positive magnetic susceptibility). The force of attraction generated by the applied
field is linear in the field strength and rather weak. It typically requires a sensitive
analytical balance to detect the effect. Unlike ferromagnets, paramagnets do not retain
any magnetization in the absence of an externally applied magnetic field, because
thermal motion causes the spins to become randomly oriented without it. Thus the
total magnetization will drop to zero when the applied field is removed. Even in the
presence of the field there is only a small induced magnetization because only a small
fraction of the spins will be oriented by the field. This fraction is proportional to the
field strength and this explains the linear dependency. The attraction experienced by
ferromagnets is non-linear and much stronger, so that it is easily observed on the door
of one's refrigerator.

Figure 2(a) Figure 2(b) Figure 2(c)

3. Ferromagnetism :
Ferromagnetism is the "normal" form of magnetism with which most people are
familiar, as exhibited in horse shoe magnets and refrigerator magnets. It is responsible
for most of the magnetic behaviour encountered in everyday life. The attraction
between a magnet and ferromagnetic material is "the quality of magnetism first
apparent to the ancient world, and to us today," according to a classic text on
ferromagnetism.
Ferromagnetism is defined as the phenomenon by which materials, such as iron, in an
external magnetic field become magnetized and remain magnetized for a period after
the material is no longer in the field.
All permanent magnets are either ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, as are the metals
that are noticeably attracted to them.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 7

NV6034

Figure 3(a) Figure 3(b) Figure 3(c)

Historically, the term ferromagnet was used for any material that could exhibit
spontaneous magnetization : a net magnetic moment in the absence of an external
magnetic field. This general definition is still in common use. More recently,
however, different classes of spontaneous magnetization have been identified when
there is more than one magnetic ion per primitive cell of the material, leading to a
stricter definition of "ferromagnetism" that is often used to distinguish it from
ferrimagnetism. In particular, a material is "ferromagnetic" in this narrower sense only
if all of its magnetic ions add a positive contribution to the net magnetization. If some
of the magnetic ions subtract from the net magnetization (if they are partially anti-
aligned), then the material is "ferrimagnetic". If the ions anti-align completely so as to
have zero net magnetization, despite the magnetic ordering, then it is an anti-
ferromagnet.
Magnet :
A magnet is an object that has a magnetic field. It attracts ferrous objects like pieces
of iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. In the early days, the Greeks observed that the
naturally occurring 'lodestone' attracted iron pieces. From that day onwards began the
journey into the discovery of magnets.
These days magnets are made artificially in various shapes and sizes depending on
their use. One of the most common magnets are the bar magnet. Bar magnet is a long,
rectangular bar of uniform cross-section that attracts pieces of ferrous objects. The
magnetic compass needle is also commonly used. The compass needle is a tiny
magnet which is free to move horizontally on a pivot. One end of the compass needle
points in the North direction and the other end points in the South direction.

Figure 4

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 8

NV6034

The end of a freely pivoted magnet will always point in the North-South direction.
The end that points in the North is called the North Pole of the magnet and the end
that points south is called the South Pole of the magnet. It has been proven by
experiments that like magnetic poles repel each other whereas unlike poles attract
each other.
Magnetic Lines of Force :
Just as an electric field is described by drawing the electric lines of force, in the same
way, a magnetic field is described by drawing the magnetic lines of force. When a
small north magnetic pole is placed in the magnetic field created by a magnet, it will
experience a force. And if the North pole is free, it will move under the influence of
magnetic field. The path traced by a North magnetic pole free to move under the
influence of a magnetic field is called a magnetic line of force. In other words, the
magnetic lines of force are the lines drawn in a magnetic field along which a north
magnetic pole would move.

Figure 5
The direction of a magnetic line of force at any point gives the direction of the
magnetic force on a north pole placed at that point. Since the direction of magnetic
lines of force is the direction of force on a North pole, so the magnetic lines of force
always begin on the N-pole of a magnet and end on the S-pole of the magnet. A small
magnetic compass when moved along a line of force always sets itself along the line
tangential to it. So, a line drawn from the South pole of the compass to its North pole
indicates the direction of the magnetic field.
Properties of the Magnetic Lines of Force :
Magnetic lines of force have a number of important properties, which include :
They seek the path of least resistance between opposite magnetic poles. In a
single bar magnet as shown in Figure 5, to the right, they attempt to form closed
loops from pole to pole.
They never cross one another.
They all have the same strength.
Their density decreases (they spread out) when they move from an area of
higher permeability to an area of lower permeability.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 9

NV6034

Their density decreases with increasing distance from the poles.

They are considered to have direction as if flowing, though no actual movement
occurs.
They flow from the South pole to the North pole within a material and North
pole to South pole in air.
The magnetic lines of force come closer to one another near the poles of a
magnet but they are widely separated at other places.
When a magnetic compass is placed at different points on a magnetic lines of
force, it aligns itself along the tangent to the line of force at that point.
These are just some of the basic concepts of magnetism. One cannot possibly grasp
the depth and appreciate the versatility of magnets without reading more about the
uses of magnets, the Earth as a huge magnet and electromagnetism among other
things.
Magnetic Fields :
The space surrounding a magnet, in which magnetic force is exerted, is called a
magnetic field. If a bar magnet is placed in such a field, it will experience magnetic
forces. However, the field will continue to exist even if the magnet is removed. The
direction of magnetic field at a point is the direction of the resultant force acting on a
hypothetical North pole placed at that point.
How is a Magnetic Field Created ?
When current flows in a wire, a magnetic field is created around the wire. From this it
has been inferred that magnetic fields are produced by the motion of electrical
charges. A magnetic field of a bar magnet thus results from the motion of negatively
charged electrons in the magnet. A magnetic field can be also created with moving
charges, such as a current-carrying wire. A magnetic field can also be created by the
spin magnetic dipole moment, and by the orbital magnetic dipole moment of an
electron within an atom.
Magnetic Field Characteristics :
1. Magnetic Field in and around a Bar Magnet :
A magnetic field is a change in energy within a volume of space. The magnetic field
surrounding a bar magnet can be seen in the magneto graph below in Figure 6. A
magneto graph can be created by placing a piece of paper over a magnet and
sprinkling the paper with iron filings. The particles align themselves with the lines of
magnetic force produced by the magnet. The magnetic lines of force show where the
magnetic field exits the material at one pole and reenters the material at another pole
along the length of the magnet. It should be noted that the magnetic lines of force
exist in three dimensions but are only seen in two dimensions in the image.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 10

NV6034

Figure 6
It can be seen in the magneto graph that there are poles all along the length of the
magnet but that the poles are concentrated at the ends of the magnet. The area where
the exit poles are concentrated is called the magnet's North pole and the area where
the entrance poles are concentrated is called the magnet's South pole.
2. Magnetic Fields in and around Horse shoe and Ring Magnets :
Magnets come in a variety of shapes and one of the more common is the horse shoe
(U) magnet. The horse shoe magnet has North and South poles just like a bar magnet
but the magnet is curved so the poles lie in the same plane.

Figure 7
The magnetic lines of force flow from pole to pole just like in the bar magnet.
However, since the poles are located closer together and a more direct path exists for
the lines of flux to travel between the poles, the magnetic field is concentrated
between the poles. If a bar magnet was placed across the end of a horse shoe magnet
or if a magnet was formed in the shape of a ring, the lines of magnetic force would
not even need to enter the air. The value of such a magnet where the magnetic field is
completely contained with the material probably has limited use. However, it is
important to understand that the magnetic field can flow in loop within a material.

Figure 8

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 11

NV6034

3. Magnetic Field around a Current Carrying Conductor :

If a compass is placed in the vicinity of a current-carrying conductor, the compass
needle will align itself at right angles to the conductor, thus indicating the presence of
a magnetic force. You can demonstrate the presence of this force by using the
arrangement illustrated in Figure 9. In both (A) and (B) of the Figure 9, current flows
in a vertical conductor through a horizontal piece of cardboard. You can determine the
direction of the magnetic force produced by the current by placing a compass at
various points on the cardboard and noting the compass needle deflection. The
direction of the magnetic force is assumed to be the direction in which the north pole
of the compass points.

Magnetic Field around a Current-Carrying Conductor

Figure 9
In Figure 10(A), the needle deflections show that a magnetic field exists in circular
form around the conductor. When the current flows upward (see Figure 10(A)), the
direction of the field is clockwise, as viewed from the top. However, if you reverse
the polarity of the battery so that the current flows downward (see figure 10(B)), the
direction of the field is counterclockwise.
The relation between the direction of the magnetic lines of force around a conductor
and the direction of electron current flow in the conductor may be determined by
means of the left-hand rule for a conductor : if you grasp the conductor in your left
hand with the thumb extended in the direction of the electron flow (current - to +),
your fingers will point in the direction of the magnetic lines of force. Now apply this
rule to Figure 9. Note that your fingers point in the direction that the north pole of the
compass points when it is placed in the magnetic field surrounding the wire.
When two adjacent parallel conductors are carrying current in the same direction, the
magnetic lines of force combine and increase the strength of the field around the
conductors, as shown in Figure 10(A).Two parallel conductors carrying currents in
opposite directions are shown in Figure 10(B). Note that the field around one
conductor is opposite in direction to the field around the other conductor. The

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 12

NV6034

resulting lines of force oppose each other in the space between the wires, thus
deforming the field around each conductor. This means that if two parallel and
adjacent conductors are carrying currents in the same direction, the fields about the
two conductors aid each other. Conversely, if the two conductors are carrying currents
in opposite directions, the fields about the conductors repel to each other.

Magnetic Field around Two Parallel Conductors

Figure 10
4. Magnetic Field produced by a Current Carrying Coil :
When a current carrying conductor is formed into a loop or several loops to form a
coil, a magnetic field develops that flows through the center of the loop or coil along
its longitudinal axis and circles back around the outside of the loop or coil. The
magnetic field circling each loop of wire combines with the fields from the other
loops to produce a concentrated field down the center of the coil. A loosely wound
coil is illustrated in Figure 11, to show the interaction of the magnetic field. The
magnetic field is essentially uniform down the length of the coil when it is wound
tighter.

Figure 11
The strength of a coils magnetic field increases not only with increasing current but
also with each loop that is added to the coil. A long, straight coil of wire is called a
solenoid and can be used to generate a nearly uniform magnetic field similar to that of
a bar magnet. The concentrated magnetic field inside a coil is very useful in
magnetizing ferromagnetic materials for inspection using the magnetic particle testing
method. Please be aware that the field outside the coil is weak and is not suitable for
magnetizing ferromagnetic materials.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 13

NV6034

Earth's Magnetic Fields :

a) Magnetic Axis and Geographic Axis :
A freely suspended magnet always points in the North-South direction even in the
absence of any other magnet. This suggests that the earth itself behaves as a magnet
which causes a freely suspended magnet (or magnetic needle) to point always in a
particular direction : North and South. The shape of the earth's magnetic field
resembles that of a bar magnet of length one-fifth of the earth's diameter buried at its
center.

Figure 12
The South pole of the earth's magnet is in the geographical North because it attracts
the North pole of the suspended magnet and vice versa. Thus, there is a magnetic S-
pole near the geographical North, and a magnetic N-pole near the geographical South.
The positions of the earth's magnetic poles are not well defined on the globe; they are
spread over an area. The axis of earth's magnet and the geographical axis do no
coincide. The axis of the earth's magnetic field is inclined at an angle of about 15o
with the geographical axis. Due to this a freely suspended magnet makes an angle of
about 15o with the geographical axis and points only approximately in the North-
South directions at a place. In other words, a freely suspended magnet does not show
exact geographical South and North because the magnetic axis and geographical axis
of the earth do not coincide.
b) Cause of Earth's Magnetism :
It is now believed that the earth's magnetism is due to the magnetic effect of current
which is flowing in the liquid core at the center of the earth. Thus, the earth is a huge
electromagnet.
c) Elements of Earth's Magnetic Field :
To understand the earth's magnetic field at any place, we should know the following
two quantities or elements.
1. Declination
2. Angle of Dip (or Inclination)

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 14

NV6034

1. Declination :
The vertical plane passing through the axis of a freely suspended magnet is called
magnetic meridian. The direction of earth's magnetic field lies in the magnetic
meridian and may not be horizontal. The vertical plane passing through the true
geographical North and South (or geographical axis of earth) is called Geographical
Meridian. The angle between the Magnetic Meridian and the geographic meridian at a
place is called declination at that place.

Figure 13
The value of the angle of declination is different at different places on earth. To find
the exact geographic directions (North and South) at a place by using a magnetic
compass, we should know the angle of declination at that place. The declination is
o o
expressed in degrees East ( E) or degrees West ( W). For example a declination of 2
o
E means the compass will point 2 degrees east of true geographical North. Thus, the
knowledge of declination at a place helps in finding the true geographical directions at
that place. In every map used by surveyors, mariners and air pilots, declination for
different places is indicated. It should be noted that at the places of zero declination,
the compass North will coincide with the true geographical North.
2. Angle of Dip or Inclination :
So far we have only considered one type of magnetic needle which can move only in
the horizontal place and points approximately in the North-South direction. Now, if
we take a magnetic needle which is free to rotate in the vertical plane, then it will not
remain perfectly horizontal. The compass needle makes a certain angle with the
horizontal direction. In fact, in the Northern Hemisphere of earth, the North pole of
the magnetic needle dips below the horizontal line. At any place, the magnetic needle
points in the direction of the resultant intensity of earth's magnetic field at the place.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 15

NV6034

Figure 14
3. Angle of Dip at the Poles :
The magnetic lines of force at the poles of earth are vertical due to which the
magnetic needle becomes vertical. The angle of dip at the magnetic poles of earth is
o
90 .
4. Angle of dip at the equator :
The lines of force around the magnetic equator of the earth are perfectly horizontal.
So the magnetic needle will become horizontal there. Thus, the angle of dip at the
magnetic equator of the earth will be 0 o. The angle of dip varies from place to place.
Magnetic Effect of Current or Electromagnetism :
The magnetic effect of an electric current was discovered by Hans Christian Oersted
in 1820. Oersted found that a wire carrying a current was able to deflect a magnetic
needle. To demonstrate the effect, a plotting compass is placed close to a long straight
wire which is carrying current. A deflection is noted. By reversing the direction of the
current, the compass needle will be deflected in the opposite sense.
The term "magnetic effect of current" means that "a current flowing in a wire
produces a magnetic field around it". Now, a magnetic needle can only be deflected
by a magnetic field. Thus it was concluded that a current flowing in a wire always
gives rise to a magnetic field round it. The magnetic effect of current is called
Electromagnetism which means that electricity produces magnetism.

Figure 15

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 16

NV6034

Tenets (Principles) of Electromagnetism :

Magnetic Field Pattern due to :
1. Straight Current-Carrying Conductor :
The magnetic lines of force round a straight conductor carrying current are concentric
circles whose centers lie on the wire.
The magnitude of magnetic field produced by a straight current-carrying wire at a
given point is :
a) Directly proportional to the current passing in the wire, and
b) Inversely proportional to the distance of that point from the wire.
So, greater the current in the wire, stronger will be the magnetic field produced and
greater the distance of a point from the current-carrying wire, weaker will be the
magnetic field produced at that point.
2. A circular Current Carrying Coil :
We know that when a current is passed through a straight wire, a magnetic field is
produced around it. It has been found that the magnetic effect of current increases if,
instead of using a straight wire, the wire is converted into a circular coil. A circular
coil consists of twenty or more turns of insulated copper wire closely wound together.
When a current is passed through a circular coil, a magnetic field is produced around
it. The lines of force are circular near the wire, but they become straight and parallel
towards the middle point of the coil. In fact, each small segment of the coil is
surrounded by such magnetic lines of force. At the center of the coil, all the lines of
force aid each other due to which the strength of the magnetic field increases.
The magnitude of magnetic field produced by a current carrying coil at its center is :
a) Directly proportional to the current passing through the circular coil, and
b) Inversely proportional to the radius of the circular coil.
A current carrying circular coil behaves as a thin disc magnet, whose one face is a
North pole and the other face is a South pole.
The strength of magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular coil can be
increased :
a) By increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil.
b) By increasing the current flowing through the coil.
c) By decreasing the radius of the coil.
3. Solenoids :
The solenoid is a long coil containing a large number of close turns of insulated
copper wire. The magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is similar to
the magnetic field produced by a bar magnet. The lines of magnetic force pass
through the solenoid and return to the other end. If a current carrying solenoid is
suspended freely, it comes to rest pointing North and South like a suspended magnetic

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 17

NV6034

needle. One end of the solenoid acts like a N-pole and the other end a S-pole. Since
the current in each circular turn of the solenoid flows in the same direction, the
magnetic field produced by each turn of the solenoid adds up, giving a strong
resultant magnetic field inside the solenoid. A solenoid is used for making
electromagnets.
The strength of magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is :
a) Directly proportional to the number of turns in the solenoid.
b) Directly proportional to the strength of current in the solenoid.
c) Dependent on the nature of "core material" used in making the solenoid. The use
of soft iron rod as core in a solenoid produces the strongest magnetism.
Electromagnet :
An electric current can be used for making temporary magnets known as
electromagnets. An electromagnet works on the magnetic effect of current. It has been
found that if a soft iron rod called core is placed inside a solenoid, then the strength of
the magnetic field becomes very large because the iron ore is magnetized b y
induction. This combination of a solenoid and a soft iron core is called an
electromagnet. Thus, an electromagnet consists of a long coil of insulated copper wire
wound on a soft iron core.
The electromagnet acts as a magnet only so long as the current is flowing in the
solenoid. The moment the current is switched off the solenoid is demagnetized. The
core of the electromagnet must be of soft iron because soft iron loses all of its
magnetism when current in the coil is switched off. Steel is not used in
electromagnets, because it does not lose all its magnetism when the current is stopped
and becomes a permanent magnet.
Electromagnets can be made of different shapes and sizes depending on the purpose
for which they are to be used.
Factors affecting the Strength of an Electromagnet :
The strength of an electromagnet is:
a) Directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil.
b) Directly proportional to the current flowing in the coil.
c) Inversely proportional to the length of air gap between the poles.
In general, an electromagnet is often considered better than a permanent magnet
because it can produce very strong magnetic fields and its strength can be controlled
by varying the number of turns in its coil or by changing the current flowing through
the coil.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 18

NV6034

Magnetometer :
It is a convenient device to find directions at any place. A Magnetometer is nothing
but a small magnet enclosed in a glass case, which is pivoted at its center so that it can
rotate freely. When placed on a flat surface, like a table top, the needle of a compass
will soon come to rest pointi ng in the north-south direction.

Figure 16
The North poles of two magnets repel one another. The same is true for their South
poles. Bring the North pole of the magnet in your hand near the south pole of the
suspended magnet. We find that the pole of the suspended magnet gets attracted
towards the magnet in your hand. This shows that unlike poles attract each other.
You have seen that a bar magnet, which is free to move, always points in the North-
South direction. This happens because the earth itself behaves like a bar magnet. You
know that the North pole of a magnet is attracted to the South pole of another magnet.
Magnetic Field Sensor :
The magnetic field sensor measures the strength of the magnetic field pointing into
one of two white dots painted at its measurement end (far left in Figure 17). Selecting
“radial” mode records the strength of the field pointing into the dot on the side of the
device, while “axial” records the strength of the field pointing into the dot on the end.
There is also a tare button which sets the current field strength to zero (i.e., measures
relative to it). Magnetic field sensor, showing (from right to left) the range selects
switch, the tare button, and the radial/axial switch, which is set to radial.

Magnetic field sensor

Figure 17

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 19

NV6034

Electromagnetic Fields :
Magnets are not the only source of magnetic fields. In 1820, Hans Christian Oersted
discovered that an electric current flowing through a wire caused a nearby compass to
deflect. This indicated that the current in the wire was generating a magnetic field.
Oersted studied the nature of the magnetic field around the long straight wire. He
found that the magnetic field existed in circular form around the wire and that the
intensity of the field was directly proportional to the amount of current carried by the
wire. He also found that the strength of the field was strongest next to the wire and
diminished with distance from the conductor until it could no longer be detected. In
most conductors, the magnetic field exists only as long as the current is flowing (i.e.,
an electrical charge is in motion). However, in ferromagnetic materials the electric
current will cause some or all of the magnetic domains to align and a residual
magnetic field will remain.

Figure 18 Figure 19

Oersted also noticed that the direction of the magnetic field was dependent on the
direction of the electrical current in the wire. A three-dimensional representation of
the magnetic field is shown in Figure 18. There is a simple rule for remembering the
direction of the magnetic field around a conductor. It is called the right-hand rule. If
a person grasps a conductor in one's right hand with the thumb pointing in the
direction of the current, the fingers will circle the conductor in the direction of the
magnetic field.
For the right-hand rule to work, one important thing that must be remembered about
the direction of current flow. Standard convention has current flowing from the
positive terminal to the negative terminal. This convention is credited to Benjamin
Franklin who theorized that electric current was due to a positive charge moving from
the positive terminal to the negative terminal. However, it was later discovered that it
is the movement of the negatively charged electron that is responsible for electrical
current. Rather than changing several centuries of theory and equations, Franklin's
convention is still used today.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 20

NV6034

Figure 20
Polarity of an Electromagnetic Coil :

Figure 21
Figure 21 shows that the direction of the magnetic field around a straight wire
depends on the direction of current in that wire. Thus, a reversal of current in a wire
causes a reversal in the direction of the magnetic field that is produced. It follows that
a reversal of the current in a coil also causes a reversal of the two-pole magnetic field
about the coil. When the direction of the current in a coil is known, you can determine
the magnetic polarity of the coil by using the left-hand rule for coils. This rule,
illustrated in figure 21, is stated as follows :
Grasp the coil in your left hand, with your fingers "wrapped around" in the direction
of the electron current flow. Your thumb will then point toward the north pole of the
coil.
Strength of an Electromagnetic Field :
The strength or intensity of a coils magnetic field depends on a number of factors. The
main ones are listed below
The number of turns of wire in the coil. The
amount of current flowing in the coil. The
ratio of the coil length to the coil width. The
type of material in the core.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 21

NV6034

Losses in an Electromagnetic Field :

When current flows in a conductor, the atoms in the conductor all line up in a definite
direction, producing a magnetic field. When the direction of the current changes, the
direction of the atoms' alignment also changes, causing the magnetic field to change
direction. To reverse all the atoms requires that power be expended, and this power is
lost. This loss of power (in the form of heat) is called Hysteresis Loss. Hysteresis loss
is common to all ac equipment; however, it causes few problems except in motors,
generators, and transformers. When these devices are discussed later in this module,
Hysteresis loss will be covered in more detail.
Magnetic Field along the Axis of a Circular Coil :
The intensity of magnetic field at the point P laying on the axis of a circular coil AB
of radius a having n turn at a distance x from the center O of the coil is given by
2πnIa 2
B= 2 2 3/2
10(a + x )
Where,
B = Magnetic field along the axis of a circular coil and it is equal to (H tanθ
horizontal magnetic field).
n = Number of the turn on the coil.
a = Radius of the coil.
I = Current flowing in the coil (in Amperes).
x = Distance of the point from the center of the coil.
2
The unit of B is Tesla or Wb/m .

Figure 22
The direction of the magnetic intensity at P is along OP produced if the current flows
through the coil in the anticlockwise direction as seen from P. If the direction of the
current is clockwise the field at P is along PO.
The value of the magnetic intensity is maximum at the center O of the coil and is
given by

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 22

NV6034

2πnI
B=
10a
πnI
=
5a
If we move away from O towards the right or left, the intensity of the magnetic field
decreases. A graph showing the relation between the intensity of the magnetic field
Band distance x is given in Figure 23. The curve is first concave towards O but the
curvature become less and less, quickly changes sign at P and Q and afterwards
become convex towards O. It can be shown that the sign of inflexion P or Q where the
curvature changes its sign lie at distances a/2 from the center. Hence the difference
between P and Q is equal to the radius of the coil.
If the field B is perpendicular to the horizontal component of earth's BH and the θ is
the deflection produced by the deflection magnetometer, then
B = BH tanθ
B tanθ
Hence a graph between tanθ and x will be similar to the graph between B and x, as
shown in Figure 23.

Figure 23

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 23

NV6034

Stewart and Gee's Tangent Galvanometer :

To study the variation of magnetic field along the axis of a circular coil Stewart and
Gee's type of tangent galvanometer is used. It is made up of a circular brass or
Aluminium frame which is wounded with number of turn of very thin copper wires.
The coil is fixed on the horizontal base with its plane vertical and the free ends of
wire are connected to two terminal T1 and T2 provided on the base. A deflection
magnetometer if fitted on the two pillars V1 and V2 provide on the horizontal board in
such a manner that it can slide along the horizontal direction with the center of needle
lying on the axis of the coil. The distance of the needle from the center of the coil can
be read on the centimeter scale provided on the magnetometer arms with reference the
fixed marks A and B on the vertical pillars. The Stewart and Gee's tangent
galvanometer in shown in figure 24, below :

Figure 24

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 24

NV6034

Tangent Law :
We know that when a magnet is suspended in a uniform magnetic field, it experiences
a couple tending to set the magnet parallel to the field. Let us now consider the case of
magnet suspend in a region of space where there are two uniform magnetic field
perpendicular to each other. Clearly each field will exert a couple on the magnet
tending to set it parallel to itself. However, the magnet will come to rest in such a
position where the two couples are equal and opposite. BH and B be the two uniform
magnetic fields perpendicular to each other. So, the field BH is the horizontal
component of the earth's magnetic field. The field B is due to some magnet, suppose,
in its rest position, the magnet makes an angle θ with BH. Let m be the pole strength
of the magnet.

Figure 25
Moment of the couple acting on the magnet due to BH = mBH * ST
Moment of the couple acting on the magnet due to B = mB * NT
In the equilibrium position of the magnet, the moment of the two couples should be
equal and opposite. While the moment mBH * ST is directed anticlockwise, the
moment mB * NT is directed and clockwise.

i.e. mB * NT = mBH * ST

Or B = BH (ST/NT)

Or B = BH tanθ ..............................................( 1)
In other words, if two uniform coplanar and mutually perpendicular magnetic field act
on a magnet needle, it gets deflected from its original N-S direction. The deflection is
expressed by equation (1).This equation is known as Tangent Law.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 25

NV6034

Magnetic Meridian :
A vertical plane passing through the axis of a magnetic needle suspended freely
through its center of gravity and rest under earth's field is called the magnetic
meridian.
In other words, vertical plane on which the magnetic needle of the compass is placed,
in free rotation on the horizontal plane. The intersection of the vertical and horizontal
planes generates the so-called meridian line, or meridian of the magnetic north. The
magnetic meridian differs by some degrees from the local geographic meridian, which
is the vertical plane passing through the terrestrial poles and the observer's zenith.
How the Coil Set in Magnetic Meridian ?
The axis of the circular coil is set in the east-west direction. The axis of the
magnetometer box is also kept in the east-west direction. The plane of the coil will be
parallel to the length of the small magnetic needle.

Figure 26
The compass box is situated in such a way that the 0-0 line of the circular scale is
brought under the pointer will be along the east-west direction. Now if the current is
passed in one direction and then in reverse direction, the deflection of the pointer for
the both case should be read same- same value. It shows that the coil is now set
exactly in the magnetic meridian. If the mean deflection in the two cases does not
agree closely, slightly turn the instrument till the deflection with the direct and reverse
current agree closely.
Inflexion Point : An inflection point, or point of inflection (or inflexion) is a point on
a curve at which the curvature changes sign or a point on a curve at which the arc
changes from convex to concave or vice versa. If one imagines driving a vehicle
along the curve, it is a point at which the steering-wheel is momentarily "straight",
being turned from left to right or vice versa.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 26

NV6034

Experiment 1
Objective :
Determination of the radius of a current carrying coil
Equipments needed :
1. Tangent Galvanometer
2. Current carrying coil measurement unit
3. Magnetometer
4. Patch cords
5. Mains cord
Procedure :
1. Place the Tangent galvanometer on the table such that the arms of magnetometer
lie roughly in east and west direction.
2. Place the magnetometer at the centre of the coil in such a manner that magnetic
needle lies at the center of the vertical coil in same direction.
3. Place the eye a little above the coil and rotate the Tangent Galvanometer in the
horizontal plane till the coil, the needle and its image in the mirror of
magnetometer, all lie in the same vertical plane.
4. In this manner the coil will be set roughly in the magnetic meridian.
5. Now rotate the Magnetometer so that the pointer read the position of 0-0.

Figure 28
6. Now take the current carrying coil measurement unit and place it near the
instrument.
7. Connect C and 5 terminals of coil to the 6 and 7 terminal of reversing key.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 27

NV6034

8. Connect DC power supply between the points 2 and 3 with same polarity.
9. Connect DC Ammeter between the points 10 and 11 with same polarity.
10. Now short the terminals 4 and 5, 8 and 9, 12 and 13, 1 and 14 respectively.
11. Connect the mains cord and switch on the power supply.
12. Select reversing key in one direction and switch on the DC power supply.
13. Now note down the deflection of the needle of magnetometer.
14. Set the deflection of magnetometer pointer between 60o and 70 o by adjusting the
variable resistance.
15. Now change the direction of current by reversing key and note down the
deflection again. If the both deflections are nearly equal that means the coil is in
magnetic meridian.
16. If the mean deflection of both cases is not nearly equal, then slightly turns
tangent galvanometer till the deflection for the direct and reverse current
become nearly equal.
17. Now slide the magnetometer along the axis of the coil and find the position
where the maximum deflection is obtained. In this position the center of the
needle coincides the center of the vertical coil.
18. Note the position of the arms against the reference pointer A.
19. Now note the value of the current shows by ammeter.
20. Shift the magnetometer by 1 cm in any one side of the coil and note down the
deflection θ1 and θ2 in observation table by both ends of pointer keeping the
current constant.
21. Now reverse the current and again note the deflection of pointer for both ends
and say it θ3 and θ4.
22. Take the number of observations by shifting the magnetometer by 1 cm at a time
for both forward and reverse current.
23. Similarly repeat the steps 20, 21 and 22 by shifting the magnetometer in the
opposite direction of the coil keeping the constant current.
24. Repeat all the steps for another no. of turns of coil (50, 100, 200 and 500) and
follow the observation table given below :

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 28

 NV6034

Observations Table : No. of turns (n) = ................. Current I = ................ A

Left Side Right Side

Direct Reversed Direct Reversed
S. No. Distance Mean Tan θ Mean Tan θ
Current Current Current Current
x θ θ
θ1 θ 2 θ3 θ4 θ1 θ 2 θ3 θ4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

25. Now plot a graph taking positing (x) along the X- axis and tanθ along the Y-
axis, it will be similar to graph shown in figure 28, below :

Figure 29

26. Find out the two inflexion point on the curve, the distance between these two
point will be the radius of the coil.
i.e. a = PQ

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 29

NV6034

Experiment 2
Objective :
Determination of the magnetic field with the variation of distance along the axis
of current carrying coil
Equipments Needed :
1. Tangent Galvanometer
2. Current carrying coil measurement unit
3. Magnetometer
4. Patch cords
5. Mains cord

Procedure :

1. Place the Tangent Galvanometer on the table such that the arms of
magnetometer lie roughly in east and west direction.
2. Place the magnetometer at the centre of the coil in such a manner that magnetic
needle lies at the center of the vertical coil in same direction.
3. Place the eye a little above the coil and rotate the Tangent Galvanometer in the
horizontal plane till the coil, the needle and its image in the mirror of
magnetometer, all lie in the same vertical plane.
4. In this manner the coil will be set roughly in the magnetic meridian.
5. Now rotate the Magnetometer so that the pointer read the position of 0-0.

Figure 30

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 30

NV6034

6. Now take the current carrying coil measurement unit and place it near the
instrument.
7. Connect C and 5 terminals of coil to the 6 and 7 terminal of reversing key.
8. Connect DC power supply between the points 2 and 3 with same polarity.
9. Connect DC Ammeter between the points 10 and 11 with same polarity.
10. Now short the terminals 4 and 5, 8 and 9, 12 and 13, 1 and 14 respectively.
11. Connect the mains cord and switch on the power supply.
12. Select reversing key in one direction and switch on the DC power supply.
13. Now note down the deflection of the needle of magnetometer.
o o
14. Set the deflection of magnetometer pointer between 60 and 70 by adjusting the
variable resistance.
15. Now change the direction of current by reversing key and note down the
deflection again. If the both deflections are nearly equal that means the coil is in
magnetic meridian.
16. If the mean deflection of both cases is not nearly equal, then slightly turns
Tangent Galvanometer till the deflection for the direct and reverse current
become nearly equal.
17. Now slide the magnetometer along the axis of the coil and find the position
where the maximum deflection is obtained. In this position the center of the
needle coincides the center of the vertical coil.
18. Note the position of the arms against the reference pointer A.
19. Now note the value of the current shows by ammeter.
20. Shift the magnetometer by 1 cm in any one side of the coil and note down the
deflection θ1 and θ2 in observation table by both ends of pointer keeping the
current constant.
21. Now reverse the current and again note the deflection of pointer for both ends
and say it θ3 and θ4.
22. Take the number of observations by shifting the magnetometer by 1 cm at a time
for both forward and reverse current.
23. Similarly repeat the steps 20, 21 and 22 by shifting the magnetometer in the
opposite direction of the coil keeping the constant current.
24. Repeat all the steps for another no. of turns of coil (50, 100, 200 and 500) and
follow the observation table given below :

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 31

 NV6034

Observations Table : No. of turns (n) = ................. Current I = ................ A

Left Side Right Side

Direct Reversed Direct Reversed
S. No. Distance Current Current Mean Tan θ Current Current Mean Tan θ
x θ θ
θ 1 θ2 θ3 θ4 θ1 θ 2 θ3 θ4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

25. Now plot a graph taking positing (x) along the X- axis and tanθ along the Y-
axis, it will be similar to graph shown in figure 29, below :

Figure 30
26. Find out the two inflexion point on the curve, the distance between these two
point will be the radius of the coil.
i.e. a = PQ

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 32

NV6034

27. Find out the two inflexion point on the curve, the distance between these two
points will be the radius of the coil.
28. Now use the observation given below and calculate the value of magnetic field
produced by a coil due to current at the different point on the axis of the current
carrying coil.

Observation Table : No. of turns (n) = ............ , Current I = ............ A,

Radius (a) =...............m

2πnIa 2
S.N0. Distance Magnetic field B =
10(a 2 + x 2 )3/2
x
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 33

NV6034

Warranty
1) We guarantee the product against all manufacturing defects for 24 months from
the date of sale by us or through our dealers. Consumables like dry cell etc. are
not covered under warranty.
2) The guarantee will become void, if
a) The product is not operated as per the instruction given in the learning
material.
b) The agreed payment terms and other conditions of sale are not followed.
c) The customer resells the instrument to another party.
d) Any attempt is made to service and modify the instrument.
3) The non-working of the product is to be communicated to us immediately giving
full details of the complaints and defects noticed specifically mentioning the
type, serial number of the product and date of purchase etc.
4) The repair work will be carried out, provided the product is dispatched securely
packed and insured. The transportation charges shall be borne by the customer.

Note: The Magnetometer is not covered in the warranty.

List of Accessories

1. Current Carrying Coil Measurement Unit..................................................1 No.

2. Magnetometer ...........................................................................................1 No.
3. Patch Cords 2mm 12” ............................................................................. 14 Nos.
4. Patch Cord 2mm Red................................................................................1 No.
5. Patch Cord 2mm Black .............................................................................1 No.
6. Mains Cord ...............................................................................................1 No.
7. Learning Material .....................................................................................1 No.

Nvis Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 34