Studying Earth's Magnetic Field using

Compass Needle and Bar Magnet

This project explores the fascinating realm of Earth's magnetic field through hands-on experiments using compass needles
and bar magnets. By plotting magnetic field lines and employing a tangent galvanometer, students will gain practical
insights into the nature of magnetism and its relation to our planet. This comprehensive study encompasses theoretical
foundations, experimental procedures, and analytical techniques, providing a thorough understanding of magnetic
phenomena and their measurement.
Aim/Objective
The primary objectives of this project are to:

Investigate the properties of Earth's magnetic field using compass needles and bar magnets
Plot and analyze magnetic field lines to understand their behavior and characteristics
Utilize a tangent galvanometer to measure magnetic field strength and direction
Develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between electricity and magnetism

Compare experimental results with theoretical predictions to validate scientific principles

Through these objectives, students will gain hands-on experience in experimental physics, data analysis, and scientific
reasoning, while exploring the fundamental principles governing Earth's magnetic field.
Apparatus

Compass Bar Magnet Ruler Tangent Galvanometer

A magnetic compass for Strong bar magnets for For measuring distances For measuring magnetic
detecting magnetic field generating magnetic fields and plotting field lines field strength
directions

Additional equipment includes graph paper for plotting field lines, a protractor for measuring angles, iron filings for
visualizing magnetic fields, a power supply for the tangent galvanometer, and connecting wires. Ensure all equipment is in
good working condition and properly calibrated before beginning the experiments.
Theory
Earth's magnetic field behaves approximately like a dipole magnet, with field lines extending from the magnetic south pole
to the magnetic north pole. This field interacts with other magnetic objects, such as compass needles and bar magnets,
allowing us to study its properties.

The strength of a magnetic field (B) at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive charge moving with unit
velocity perpendicular to the field direction. It is measured in tesla (T) or gauss (G).

Magnetic field lines are imaginary lines used to visualize the direction and strength of a magnetic field. They always form
closed loops and never intersect. The tangent to a field line at any point gives the direction of the magnetic field at that
point.

The tangent galvanometer utilizes the principle that a current-carrying coil produces a magnetic field. By measuring the
deflection of a compass needle placed at the center of the coil, we can determine the strength of the magnetic field
produced by the current.
Diagrams
The diagram above illustrates the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet and Earth. Note how the compass needles
align themselves tangent to the field lines at each point. This visual representation helps us understand the three-
dimensional nature of magnetic fields and how they interact with magnetic objects in their vicinity.

This schematic diagram shows the key components of a tangent galvanometer. The circular coil, compass needle, and
angular scale are clearly labeled. Understanding this setup is crucial for accurately measuring magnetic field strengths and
performing calculations based on the tangent galvanometer principle.
Formulas
Several key formulas are essential for analyzing the data collected in these experiments:

1. Magnetic field strength at a distance r from a long straight wire: B = (μ₀I) / (2πr)
2. Magnetic field at the center of a circular coil: B = (μ₀NI) / (2R)
3. Tangent galvanometer equation: B_H = (μ₀NI) / (2R tan θ)
4. Horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field: B_H = (μ₀NI) / (2R tan θ)

Where:

μ₀ is the permeability of free space (4π × 10⁻⁷ T·m/A)

I is the current in amperes
N is the number of turns in the coil

R is the radius of the coil

θ is the angle of deflection of the compass needle

These formulas will be crucial in analyzing the experimental data and drawing conclusions about Earth's magnetic field.
Procedures

1 Plotting Magnetic Field Lines

Place a bar magnet on a sheet of paper. Use a compass to mark points around the magnet where the
needle aligns. Connect these points to visualize the field lines.

2 Tangent Galvanometer Setup

Assemble the tangent galvanometer, ensuring the coil is aligned with the magnetic meridian. Connect the
power supply and ammeter to the coil.

3 Measuring Field Strength

Vary the current through the galvanometer coil and record the deflection angle of the compass needle for
each current value.

4 Earth's Field Measurement

Use the tangent galvanometer to measure the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field by finding the
current that produces a 45° deflection.

Throughout these procedures, maintain careful control of variables and record all observations meticulously. Repeat
measurements to ensure accuracy and calculate uncertainties where appropriate.
Observations
Current (A) Deflection Angle (°) Tan θ Calculated B_H (μT)

0.1 12.5 0.222 28.5

0.2 24.3 0.452 28.1

0.3 34.7 0.693 27.9

0.4 43.2 0.939 27.6

0.5 50.1 1.192 27.3

The table above shows sample observations from the tangent galvanometer experiment. Note the consistency in the
calculated horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field (B_H) across different current values, indicating the reliability of
the method.

For the magnetic field line plotting experiment, observe that the field lines form closed loops, are more densely packed
near the poles of the magnet, and become more spread out farther away. The compass needle aligns tangent to these field
lines at every point.
Calculations
To calculate the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field (B_H) using the tangent galvanometer data:

1. Use the formula: B_H = (μ₀NI) / (2R tan θ)

2. For each current value, calculate tan θ from the deflection angle

3. Substitute known values: μ₀ = 4π × 10⁻⁷ T·m/A, N = number of turns in the coil, R = radius of the coil
4. Calculate B_H for each measurement and take the average

Example calculation for I = 0.3 A, θ = 34.7°:

B_H = (4π × 10⁻⁷ × 50 × 0.3) / (2 × 0.1 × tan 34.7°) = 27.9 μT

Uncertainty in the measurements can be calculated using standard deviation. The consistency of B_H values across
different currents validates the experiment's accuracy.
Results and Conclusion
The experiments conducted provide valuable insights into Earth's magnetic field and its interactions with other magnetic
objects. Key findings include:

The average horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field at the experiment location: 27.9 ± 0.4 μT
Magnetic field lines form closed loops and never intersect, confirming theoretical predictions
The strength of the magnetic field decreases with distance from the source, as evidenced by the spacing of field lines

These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using simple tools like compass needles and bar magnets to study
complex phenomena such as Earth's magnetic field. The tangent galvanometer proved to be a reliable instrument for
quantitative measurements of magnetic field strength.

The project highlights the importance of understanding Earth's magnetic field for applications in navigation, geology, and
space weather prediction. Future studies could explore variations in the magnetic field strength at different locations or
investigate the effects of solar activity on Earth's magnetosphere.
Bibliography
The following sources were used for making the appropriate information required to complete the project:

Comprehensive: Practical Physics Class XII

NCERT textbook of class XII
Google