and finding its reduction factor.

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010
A helmholtz galvanometer , like other galvanometers , is an instrument which
can be use to measure dc current in the circuit.

It is an improved form of the tangent galvanometer . It consists of two equal

coils placed coaxially at a distance equal to the radius of the either coil . The two
coils are of the same radius on the same direction. The field at any point on the
axis of the coil is equal to the sum of the magnetic field due to the individual
coil.

it consists of two identical circular coils , each having several hundred

turns in it, mounted coaxially at a distance equal to their radius. In the side of
each coil , four terminals are provided . First of which is internally connected
with the starting end of the coil , second is connected with the end of the
second turn , third with the end of the 50th turn and fourth with the 500th turns.
Wit the help of these terminals , equal number of turns of each coil can be
connected in series to allow the same current to flow in the same direction.

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

 Two coils of
same radii

Axis and
distance is
measure in
one direction.

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

 Magnetic
needle

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

A circular disc with a calibrated scale in degrees on it is
mounted at the mid point of the common axis of the coils .A
small magnetic needle with a pointer attached is capable of
rotation in the horizontal plane .the disc is covered with a
plane glass to avoid disturbance from outside . There are
leveling screws are also provided to make the plane of the
disc horizontal.

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

 Connecting
terminals.

Trisha Banerjee @ 2010

 rheostat
commutator

Dc
supply
Trisha Banerjee @2010
Object:- To find the reduction factor of a Helmholtz galvanometer.

Apparatus:- Helmholtz galvanometer , battery , rheostat , commutator , ammeter .

Circuit diagram

Trisha Banerjee @2010

Procedure:-
a) Level the box of helmholtz galvanometer and see that magnetic needle is
free to rotate in the horizontal plane.
b) Put the coil of the galvanometer in the maganetic meridian .
c) Make the connection as shown in the figure. Allow some current to pass
in the galvanometer in one direction and observe the deflection of the
pointer . Now, reverse the current with the help of commutator and see
the deflection . If it is not equal to previous one , rotate the coils suitable
till deflection due to direct and reverse are equal. Adjust the rheostat to
get a deflection of 45 degree. Now take out the plug to make current
zero.
d) Now move the distance from the dial in a one direction and see the
deflection, and note the current from ammeter every time.

Trisha Banerjee @2010

Precaution:-

a) The coil should be in magnetic meridian.

b) No magnetic materials and current carrying conductors

should not be brought near the apparatus.

Trisha Banerjee @2010