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Helmholtz Galvanometer for Physics Labs
Helmholtz Galvanometer for Physics Labs
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Twin-coil tangent galvanometer for physics education and undergraduate labs. Two equal coaxial coils in Helmholtz configuration produce a highly uniform axial magnetic field at the midpoint, where a jeweled magnetic compass reads deflection. Ideal for verifying the tangent law and mapping the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field.
What You Get
- Two equal coaxial copper-wound coils mounted at a separation equal to the coil radius (Helmholtz configuration)
- Jeweled permanent-magnet compass housed in a brass cup at the exact geometric midpoint
- Sturdy wooden base with binding-post terminals for external DC source (typically 1.5-6 V battery)
- Included instruction card covering tangent law derivation and the standard classroom experiment
Classroom Experiments This Device Supports
- Verify the tangent law: measure compass deflection versus known current to confirm tan θ ∝ I
- Determine the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field (BH): the classic undergraduate physics experiment
- Study field uniformity in a Helmholtz pair: compare field strength at center versus off-axis
- Introduce the Biot-Savart law in an applied setting
Specifications
| Configuration | Helmholtz, two equal coaxial coils, separation = coil radius |
| Coil winding | Insulated copper wire on non-magnetic former |
| Compass | Jeweled permanent-magnet needle in brass cup, mounted at midpoint |
| Base | Polished hardwood with binding-post terminals |
| Recommended source | Regulated DC, 0-6 V (rheostat and ammeter recommended) |
| Best suited for | Grades 11-12, undergraduate physics, engineering demo labs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a true Helmholtz configuration?
Yes. The two coils are equal, coaxial, and separated by exactly the coil radius, the geometry that produces uniform axial field near the midpoint.
What power source do I need?
A regulated DC source of 0-6 V paired with a rheostat and ammeter. A standard physics-lab power supply or dry cells work fine. Not included.
Does the compass come pre-calibrated?
The needle is jeweled and free-swinging. Level the base and align the coil plane with the magnetic meridian before each measurement, standard procedure covered in the instruction card.
Can I use this to measure Earth's magnetic field?
Yes, this is the classic tangent-galvanometer experiment for determining the horizontal component (BH) of Earth's field.
Do you accept school purchase orders?
Yes. Email a PO to sales@scimedstore.com with your institution's tax-exempt certificate.
User Manual (PDF)
Download the Operating Manual (PDF)
Browse all manuals by category at scimedstore.com/pages/user-manuals. Need a digital or printed copy, or have a question? Email sales@scimedstore.com.
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