Earth's Magnetic Field

Our earth is a large magnet but its magnetic field is quite faint! This experiment seeks to determine the horizontal component of the Earth's Magnetic Field through investigating the combined effect of this field and a current-carrying multi-turn coil. Students analyze the relationship between coil current and the magnetic field it generates using graphs, as well as learn data linearization and weighted straight line fitting.


Learn more





Overview

The Experiment
  • Ampere’s law.
  • Resolving vectors.
  • Plotting and fitting data.
  • Using tangent galvanometer method.
  • Verifying Electromagnetic Induction.
  • Linearizing and performing weighted fit of a straight line.
How does it work?

The Earth is a magnet, but its magnetic field is too weak to measure without a sensitive setup. To find the horizontal component of the Earth's Magnetic Field, we use a compass and a current-carrying multi-turn coil. By carefully placing the compass on a grooved board perpendicular to the central coil axis, we can vary the current and measure corresponding deflection values. The tangent galvanometer method is then used to calculate the horizontal component of the Earth's Magnetic Field. Through this experiment, students gain a deeper understanding of the subtle but impactful forces of magnetism and their influence on the natural world.



Get Inspired!
  • Hall effect
  • Magnetotaxis
  • Meissner effect
  • Oersted's Experiment
  • Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction
Major parts included:
  • Ammeter
  • Voltmeter
  • DC power supply
  • Magnetic compass
  • Multi-turn copper coil
  • A wooden-board with a central groove