Magnetic field of a solenoid-Lab

Part I: Objective

The primary objectives of this experiment are:

To investigate the magnetic field of a solenoid.
To find the dependence of the magnitude of magnetic field on
current I by measuring the magnetic field B produced by a
current carrying solenoid.
To find the dependence of the magnitude of magnetic field on the material inside the solenoid.

Part II: Introduction

When current is passed through a conductor, a magnetic field is produced (fig-1).

The magnetic field vector maybe determined using the Biot-Savart law.
Magnetic field is a vector and has units of tesla (T).
A solenoid is composed of a number of turns of a conducting material, arranged
in a cylindrical fashion.
For an ideal solenoid, the magnetic field is produced completely inside the
solenoid. The field produced inside a solenoid is parallel to the axis as
shown (fig-2). Figure 1: current carrying conductor

The field inside an ideal solenoid with turns N, length

L, and current I may be calculated from Ampere’s
law and has magnitude
𝜇𝑜 𝑁𝐼
𝐵=
𝐿
where µo is the permeability of free space with value
4 π×10-7T m/A . The field is a constant along the
length of an ideal solenoid.

Figure 2: Field of a current carrying solenoid

Part III: Apparatus and Setup

You have been provided with:

• Solenoid and Ferrite core (magnetic rod)

• Meter Scale
• Power supply
• Ammeter
• Leads with alligator clips
• Tesla meter (magnetic field measurement instrument)
• Clips

Setup details:

The alligator clips may be used to connect the power supply cord to the connector of solenoid (shownbelow).

The magnetic field sensor uses a Hall Effect transducer to measure the magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor
should be plugged into Channel 1 on the Tesla meter. Set the switch ‘3’ on the range 20mT.Insert the sensor
inside the solenoid. The sensor measures magnetic fields parallel to the sensor axis.

Figure 3: Tesla meter

FUNCTIONAL AND OPERATING of TESLA METER

The plugs for connecting the mains lead supplied with the meter and the power switch are to be found on the back of the
meter. Fig. 3 shows the teslameter with the controls and functional elements on the front panel:

1 Input socket for connecting the hall probes of Hall sensor (shown in fig 3 -- right).

2 Adjusting screw for rough zeroing.

3 Stepping switch for selecting the measuring range.

0 to…20 mT (accuracy 0.01 mT)

0 to…200 mT (accuracy 0.1 mT)
0 to…1000 mT (accuracy 1 mT)

4 Changeover switch for selecting the „ALTERNATING FIELD“ and „DIRECT FIELD“ measurement modes.

5 Digital display for displaying the values measured. 3 digit display with sign for the direction of the field and decimal
point.
6 Adjusting knob for fine zeroing

7 Output for connecting an external measuring instrument, e.g. a recorder. Output voltage: 1 mV per digit.

Part IV: The Experiment

To take measurements of magnetic field without iron core:

1. Turn the power supply on and adjust the voltage dials until
you have the desired current of 250 mA.

2.Turn the power Tesla meter on and adjust zero using zero button ‘6’ (to zero contributions from the
Earth’s field and
surroundings).
3. Insert the magnetic field sensor at the location (inside the coil) you wish to measure the
field.

4. Record the readings to the table

Repeat the above procedure for different observations (500 mA and 1 A).

To take measurements of magnetic field with iron core: (Fig 4)

1. Inset a magnetic material inside the solenoid

2. Repeat the procedure 1-5.

Compare the results obtained from the above

experiment.

Figure 4 : How to place core into the solenoid

 How to write report (Sample)

Name of the experiment:Determination of the magnetic induction of a current carrying solenoid and hence
determine the relative permeability of a medium.

Theory: A solenoid is a coil of wire designed to create a strong magnetic field inside the coil. By wrapping the
same wire many times around a cylinder, the magnetic field due to the wires can become quite strong.
A long straight coil of wire can be used to generate a nearly uniform magnetic field similar to that of a bar
magnet. Such coils, called solenoids, have an enormous number of practical applications. The field can be
greatly strengthened by the addition of an iron core. Such cores
are typical in electromagnets.
The field inside a solenoid (with air core) with turns N, length
L, and current I may be calculated from Ampere’s law and has
magnitude (consider fig 1)
𝜇𝑜 𝑁𝐼
𝐵= = 𝜇𝑜 𝑛 𝐼 − − − −(1)
𝐿
where µo is the permeability of free space with value 4 π×10-
7
H/m and n is the number of turns per unit length . Figure 1: Magnetic Field of a current carrying
solenoid
If a magnetic material is inserted inside the solenoid, the value
of B becomes

𝐵 =  𝑛 𝐼 = 𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟 𝑛 𝐼 − − − − − (2)
By measuring the magnetic field with a Tesla meter, the relative permeability (𝜇𝑟 ) of the magnetic material can
be determined from the following relation
𝐵
𝜇𝑟 = − − − − − (3)
𝜇𝑜 𝑛 𝐼
Experimental setup for the measurement of magnetic field of a solenoid carrying a current is shown in fig 2.
Figure 2: Experimental setup for the measurement of magnetic field of a solenoid

List of apparatus:
 Tesla meter
 Magnetic sensor
 Solenoids
 DC power supply
 Ampere meter
 Magnetic materials (in the form of rod)

Table-1 : Experimental data for the measurement of magnetic field of a current carrying solenoid (without
magnetic core)
N= turns, L= meter, n=N/L turns/m

No. of Current through Magnetic field, B (mT) Percent Error

obs. the solenoid (A) Calculated, Measured, Mmea Mcal−Mmea
=| 𝑀𝑐𝑎𝑙
|100
Mcal= 𝜇𝑜 𝑛 𝐼
1 0.250
2 0.750
3 1.0

Table-2 : Experimental data for the measurement of magnetic field and hence the relative permeability of a
current carrying solenoid (with iron core)
N= turns, L = meter, n = N/L turns/m
 No. of Current through Magnetic field Relative permeability Average value
obs. the solenoid (A) measured , B (mT) 𝐵 of 𝜇𝑟
𝜇𝑟 =
𝜇𝑜 𝑛 𝐼
1 0.350
2 0.750
3 1.0

Precautions: Precautions: The followings measures should be taken during the experimental procedures.
1. The magnetic sensor should be handled carefully.
2. Zero adjusting knob ‘6’ of the Teslameter can be used to make reading zero before taking data.
3. Measurement range should be in appropriate position before measuring any quantity.
5. The circuit should be disconnected from the power supply during the insertion of core materials.

Result and discussion: It is seen from the experimental table-1 that the current carrying solenoid produces
magnetic field and it depends on the value of current for a given solenoid. It is also seen from table-1 and
table-2 that the magnetic field is enhanced by the iron core. The value of relative permeability of the
magnetic core inserted inside the solenoid is _____________