To trace the magnetic field due to a current carrying circular coil

To trace the magnetic field due to a current carrying circular coil

Abstract:

This experiment aims to investigate the magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular coil. The magnetic field lines are traced using a magnetic compass, and the relationship between the number of turns, current, and magnetic field strength is explored.

Introduction:

In this experiment, we study the magnetic field produced by a circular coil carrying an electric current. The phenomenon of electromagnetism, discovered by Hans Christian Oersted, states that an electric current produces a magnetic field around it. This experiment helps us visualize and understand the properties of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors.

Detail of the Experiment:

The apparatus consists of a circular coil wound on a non-conducting cylindrical former. A DC power supply is used to provide a constant current to the coil. A magnetic compass is placed at various positions around the coil to trace the magnetic field lines.

Procedure:

  1. Set up the apparatus on a flat, non-magnetic surface.
  2. Connect the circular coil to the DC power supply.
  3. Turn on the power supply and adjust the current to the desired value.
  4. Place the magnetic compass at various points around the coil, keeping it perpendicular to the plane of the coil.
  5. Note the direction indicated by the compass needle at each position.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 for different current values and positions around the coil.

Observations and Calculations:

To calculate the magnetic field strength at different points around the coil, we use the formula:

\[ B = \frac{{\mu_0 \cdot N \cdot I}}{{2 \cdot R}} \] Where: - \( B \) = Magnetic field strength - \( \mu_0 \) = Permeability of free space (\( 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \) T·m/A) - \( N \) = Number of turns in the coil - \( I \) = Current flowing through the coil (A) - \( R \) = Radius of the coil (m)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this experiment demonstrates the relationship between the current flowing through a circular coil and the magnetic field it produces. By tracing the magnetic field lines using a compass, we verified that the field strength is directly proportional to the current and the number of turns in the coil, and inversely proportional to the radius of the coil.

Precautions:

  • Handle the electrical connections with care to avoid any short circuits.
  • Ensure the compass is free from any magnetic interference.
  • Keep the coil and compass away from ferromagnetic materials.

Short Questions:

  1. What is the principle behind the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying circular coil?
  2. Answer: The magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor is produced due to the flow of electric charge, following the right-hand grip rule.

  3. How does the magnetic field strength vary with the number of turns in the coil?
  4. Answer: The magnetic field strength is directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil.

  5. What factors affect the strength of the magnetic field produced by a circular coil?
  6. Answer: The factors affecting the magnetic field strength include the current flowing through the coil, the number of turns in the coil, and the permeability of the medium.

  7. How can you increase the strength of the magnetic field produced by a circular coil?
  8. Answer: The strength of the magnetic field can be increased by increasing the current flowing through the coil or by increasing the number of turns in the coil.

  9. What is the SI unit of magnetic field strength?
  10. Answer: The SI unit of magnetic field strength is Tesla (T).

  11. Explain the right-hand grip rule.
  12. Answer: The right-hand grip rule states that if the right hand fingers are curled in the direction of the current flow in a conductor, the thumb points in the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.

  13. How does the orientation of the circular coil affect the direction of the magnetic field?
  14. Answer: The direction of the magnetic field depends on the direction of the current flow in the coil and the orientation of the coil with respect to the observer.

  15. What happens to the magnetic field strength as you move away from the center of the circular coil?
  16. Answer: The magnetic field strength decreases as you move away from the center of the circular coil.

  17. What is the role of the magnetic compass in this experiment?
  18. Answer: The magnetic compass is used to trace the magnetic field lines produced by the current-carrying circular coil.

  19. What is the significance of using a non-conducting cylindrical former for the coil?
  20. Answer: Using a non-conducting cylindrical former prevents electrical short circuits and ensures that the current flows only through the coil.

  21. How does the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying circular coil affect nearby magnetic materials?
  22. Answer: The magnetic field can induce magnetization in nearby magnetic materials and cause them to align with the field.

  23. What is the relationship between the radius of the coil and the magnetic field strength?
  24. Answer: The magnetic field strength is inversely proportional to the radius of the coil.

  25. Can you describe the magnetic field lines around a current-carrying circular coil?
  26. Answer: The magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the coil, with the direction of the field determined by the direction of current flow.

  27. What effect does increasing the current flowing through the coil have on the magnetic field?
  28. Answer: Increasing the current increases the strength of the magnetic field produced by the coil.

  29. How does the presence of nearby ferromagnetic materials affect the magnetic field?
  30. Answer: Ferromagnetic materials can distort the magnetic field lines and affect the accuracy of the measurements.

  31. Explain the concept of permeability in relation to magnetic fields.
  32. Answer: Permeability is a measure of a material's ability to support the formation of magnetic fields within itself. It affects the strength of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying coil.

  33. What is the direction of the magnetic field inside the coil?
  34. Answer: The direction of the magnetic field inside the coil depends on the direction of current flow and the orientation of the coil.

  35. How does the shape of the magnetic field lines change with increasing current?
  36. Answer: With increasing current, the magnetic field lines become denser and closer together, indicating a stronger magnetic field.

  37. Explain the difference between a solenoid and a circular coil.
  38. Answer: A solenoid is a long, tightly wound coil with multiple turns, while a circular coil is a single-turn coil in the shape of a circle.

  39. How does the strength of the magnetic field produced by a circular coil change with distance from the coil?
  40. Answer: The strength of the magnetic field decreases with increasing distance from the coil, following an inverse square law.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What determines the strength of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying circular coil?
    • Voltage
    • Resistance
    • Current and number of turns
    • Temperature
  2. What happens to the magnetic field strength if the radius of the coil is doubled?
    • It doubles
    • It halves
    • It remains the same
    • It quadruples
  3. Which rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor?
    • Left-hand rule
    • Right-hand grip rule
    • Newton's third law
    • Ohm's law
  4. What effect does increasing the current through a circular coil have on the magnetic field strength?
    • It decreases
    • It increases
    • It remains the same
    • It fluctuates
  5. Which factor does NOT affect the magnetic field strength around a current-carrying circular coil?
    • Number of turns
    • Current
    • Radius of the coil
    • Length of the conductor

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