Objectives

1. Measure magnetic field along the Z-axis of the coils (individual and both)
with r = 0 when the distance between coils is (i) R ( R= radius of the coils),
(ii) > R, and (iii) < R. Use Helmholtz configuration (currents flowing in the
same direction in the two coils).

2. Repeat the same using the Reverse configuration (currents flowing in the
opposite directions in the two coils). Compare with a similar analysis done
using Helmholtz configuration.

3.

Magnetic field inside Helmholtz

coil arrangement
 TEP
Magnetic field of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmholtz arrangement
-01

Related Topics
Maxwell’s equations, wire loop, flat coils, Biot-Savart’s law, Hall effect.

Principle
The spatial distribution of the field strength between a pair of coils in the Helmholtz arrangement is
measured. The spacing at which a uniform magnetic field is produced is investigated and the superposi-
tion of the two individual fields to form the combined field of the pair of coils is demonstrated.

Equipment
1 Pair of Helmholtz coils 06960.00
1 Power supply, universal 13500.93
1 Digital multimeter 07134.00
1 Teslameter, digital 13610.93
1 Hall probe, axial 13610.01
2 Meter scale, demo, l = 1000 mm 03001.00
1 Barrel base -PASS- 02006.55
1 Support rod -PASS-, square, l = 250 mm 02025.55
1 Right angle clamp -PASS- 02040.55
3 G-clamp 02014.00
1 Connecting cord, l = 750 mm, blue 07362.04
3 Connecting cord, l = 750 mm, red 07362.01

Fig. 1: Set-up of experiment P2430301

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P2430301 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved 1
 TEP
Magnetic field
f of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmh
holtz arrangement
-01

Tasks
1. Measure the magnetic flux densiity along the z-
axis of the flat coils when the disstance between
them a = R (R = radius of the coilss) and when it is
greater and less than this.
2. Measure the spatial distribution ofo the magnetic
flux density when the distance between coils
a = R, using the rotational symmettry of the set-up:
a. measurement of the axial com mponent Bz
b. measurement of radial compo onent Br
3. Measure the radial components Br‘ and Br’’ of the
two individual coils in the plane midway
m between Fig. 2: Wiring diagram for Hellmholtz coils.
them and to demonstrate the ove erlapping of the
two fields at Br = 0.

Set-up and Procedure

Connect the coils in series and in the same direction,
see Fig. 2; the current must not exceed d 3.5 A (operate
the power supply as a constant current c source).
Measure the flux density with the axial a Hall probe
(measures the component in the directtion of the probe
stem).
The magnetic field of the coil arrangem ment is rotation-
ally symmetrical about the axis of the e coils, which is
chosen as the z-axis of a system of cyylindrical coordi-
nates (, , ). The origin is at the ceentre of the sys-
tem. The magnetic flux density does not depend on
the angle , so only the components Bz (z, r) and Br
(z, r) are measured.
Clamp the Hall probe on to a supportt rod with barrel
Fig. 5: Measuring Br (z, r).
base, level with the axis of the coils. Secure
S two rules
to the bench (parallel or perpendicularr to one another,
see Figs. 3–5). The spatial distribution of the magnetic field can be measured by pu ushing the barrel base
along one of the rules or the coils alongg the other one.

Fig. 3: Measuring B (z, r = 0) at different diistances a be-

Fig. 4: Measuring Bz (z, r).
tween the coils.

2 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved P2430301

 TEP
Magnetic field of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmholtz arrangement
-01

Notes
Always push the barrel base bearing the Hall probe along the rule in the same direction.
1. Along the z-axis, for reasons of symmetry, the magnetic flux density has only the axial compo-
nent Bz. Fig. 3 shows how to set up the coils, probe and rules. (The edge of the bench can be
used instead of the lower rule if required.) Measure the relationship B (z, r = 0) when the distance
between the coils a = R and, for example, for a = R/2 and a = 2R.
2. When distance a = R the coils can be joined together with the spacers. a) Measure Bz (z, r) as
shown in Fig. 4. Set the r-coordinate by moving the probe and the z-coordinate by moving the
coils. Check: the flux density must have its maximum value at point (z = 0, r = 0). b) Turn the pair
of coils through 90° (Fig. 5). Check the probe: in the plane z = 0, Bz must = 0.
3. Short-circuit first one coil, then the other. Measure the radial components of the individual fields
at z = 0.

Theory and evaluation

From Maxwell’s equation

 ddt
 ds =  +   D (1)
 

where K is a closed curve around area F, we obtain for direct currents (= 0), the magnetic flux law

 ds = 
 (2)


which is often written for practical purposes in the form of Biot-Savart’s law:

 !ι × 
 =
! (3)
4# $

where  is the vector from the conductor ele-

ment d to the measurement point and d  is per-
pendicular to both these vectors.
The field strength along the axis of a circular
conductor can be calculated using equation (3).
(Fig. 6).
The vector d is perpendicular to, and  and d 
lie in, theplane of the sketch, so that

  ! Fig. 6: Sketch to aid calculation of the field strength

! = $
! = ∙ ' (4)
4# 4# & +  ' along the axis of a wire loop.

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P2430301 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved 3
 TEP
Magnetic field
f of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmh
holtz arrangement
-01

d  can be resolved into a radial dHr and

a an axial dHz component. The dHz compo
onents have the same
direction for all conductor elements and the quantities are added; the dHr com
mponents cancel one
another out, in pairs. Therefore,

* = 0 (5)

and
 &'
= C = ∙ ' (6)
2 4& +  ' )$/'

along the axis of the wire loop, while th

he magnetic flux density

67 ∙  1
34) = ∙ $/' (7)
2&  '
A1 + 9& ; B

The magnetic field of a flat coil is obta

ained by multiplying (6) by the number of tu urns N. Therefore, the
magnetic flux density along the axis of two identical coils at a distance α apart is

67 ∙  ∙ 8 1 1
34,  = 0) = ∙? + F (8)
2& $/' $/'
@1 + , ' E - @1 + , ' E '

where

 + ./2  1 ./2
2
,- = , ,' =
& &

When z = 0, flux density has a maximmum value when α < R and a minimum va alue when α > R. The
curves plotted from our measurementss also show this (Fig. 7); when α = R, the field
d is virtually uniform in
the range

& &
1 22+
2 2

Magnetic flux density at the mid-point when

w α = R:

67 ∙  2 
340.0) = ∙8∙ $ = 0.7
716 67 ∙ 8 ∙
2& &
5 '
94;

4 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved P2430301

 TEP
Magnetic field of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmholtz arrangement
-01

Fig. 7: B (r = 0) as a function of z with the parameter α.

when N = 154, R = 0.20 m and I = 3.5 A this gives:

B (0.0) = 2.42 mT.

Our measurements gave B (0.0) = 2.49 mT.

Figs. 8 and 9 shows the curves Bz (z) and Br (z) measured using r as the parameter; Fig. 10 shows the
super-position of the fields of the two coils at Br = 0 in the centre plane z = 0.

Fig. 8: Bz (z), parameter r (positive quadrant only). Fig. 9: Br (z), parameter r (positive quadrant only).

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P2430301 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved 5
 TEP
Magnetic field
f of paired coils
4.3.03
in Helmh
holtz arrangement
-01

Fig. 10: Radial components Br’ (r) and Br’’ (r) of the two coils when z = 0.

6 PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG © All rights reserved P2430301

 Teslameter, digital 13610-90…99
Hall probe, axial 13610-01
Hall probe, tangential 13610-02

PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG

Robert-Bosch-Breite 10
D-37079 Göttingen

Telefon +49 (0) 551 604-0

Fax +49 (0) 551 604-107
E-mail info@phywe.de

4
6
3
2 7

1
Operating instructions

The unit complies with

the corresponding EC
guidelines.
Fig. 1: 13610-90…99 Front view of the Teslameter, digital

TABLE OF CONTENTS • Check that your mainss supply voltage corresponds to

that given on the type plate
p fixed to the instrument.
1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS • Install the instrument so
s that the on/off switch and the
mains connecting plug are
a easily accessible.
2 PURPOSE AND CHARACTERIISTICS • Do not cover the ventila
ation slits.
• Only use the instrumen nt in dry rooms in which there is
3 FUNCTIONAL AND OPERATIN
NG ELEMENTS no risk of explosion.
• Only use the instrumen nt for the purpose for which it was
designed.
4 HANDLING

5 NOTES ON OPERATION 2 PURPOSE AND CHA

ARACTERISTICS
The teslameter is suitable fo or measuring magnetic flux densi-
6 TECHNICAL DATA (TYPICAL FOR
F 25°C) ty (induction) B accurately. TwoT hall probes are supplied for
use as sensors. One of them m is specially designed for meas-
7 EXPERIMENTAL LITERATURE
E uring fields oriented axially inn relation to its rod-shaped stem
(axial probe, order no. 13610 0-01). It is suitable for measuring
8 NOTES ON THE GUARANTEE fields inside coils for instancce. The stem is 30 cm long to al-
low measurements to be takken easily even in the middle of
long coils. The second prob be measures fields perpendicular
9 WASTE DISPOSAL to its stem (tangential probe e, order no. 13610-02), which is
extremely thin and flat for measurements
m in narrow air gaps
down to about 1 mm.
The meter has 3 switchable measuring
m ranges:

1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 0 to…20 mT (accuracy 0.01 mT)

m
0 to…200 mT (accuracy 0.1 mT)
m
0 to…1000 mT (accuracy 1 mT)
m
Caution!

• Carefully read these operating instru

uctions before operat-
ing this instrument. This is necesssary to avoid damage
to it, as well as for user-safety.

1
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3 FUNCTIONAL AND OPERATIN
NG ELEMENTS
The plugs for connecting the mains leead supplied with the
meter and the power switch are to be found on the back of 4.2 Zeroing
the meter. This procedure as described d below is only necessary when
Fig. 1 shows the teslameter with the co
ontrols and functional direct fields are to be meassured. In the case of alternating
elements on the front panel: fields the meter is zeroed aut
utomatically within a few seconds,
−5
although a display of 1 digit (10
( T) is unavoidable in the 20
1 Input mT range.
socket for connecting the hall probesp 13610-01 and The mode switch (4) is to o be brought into the „DIRECT
13610-02. FIELD“ (Gleichfeld) position. Once the hall probe selected for
2 Adjusting screw the measurement has been connected
c to input (1), but before
for rough zeroing. any field is applied to it, thee display is set on zero with the
3 Stepping switch adjusting knob (6). Should th his prove impossible the knob is
for selecting the measuring range.. turned to the middle positio on and the value displayed mini-
4 Changeover switch mised by turning the adjusting screw (2) with a screwdriver;
for selecting the „ALTERNATING FIELD“ F and „DIRECT fine adjustment is then repea eated with the adjusting knob (6).
FIELD“ measurement modes. We recommend zeroing in th he most sensitive range (20 mT)
5 Digital display to avoid the need for re-adju ustment when higher ranges are
for displaying the values measured d. 3 digit display with subsequently selected.
sign for the direction of the field an
nd decimal point. It should be noted that the earth’s
e magnetic field alone can
6 Adjusting knob for fine zeroing produce a reading of ± 4 dig gits (40  µ Τ) in this range. If no
7 Output compensation for this field iss to be made during zeroing the
for connecting an external measurring instrument, e.g. a zero adjustment knob is to be b set so that turning the probe
recorder. Output voltage: 1 mV pe er digit. through 180° only results in n the sign, and not the absolute
value of the field strength dissplayed, changing.
When the fields of conducttors carring a current are to be
4 HANDLING measured, before zeroing we recommend positioning the
The teslameter is connected to the AC mains with the lead probe at the measuring poin nt to be used with the magnetic
supplied and switched on with the poweer switch on the back field current switched off; thist eliminates any interference
of the case. Changing the primary sa afety fuse: The fuse from static stray fields at the same time.
holder is in the upper part of the mainss socket of the instru- When measuring in the 20 2 mT range zeroing is to be
ment, and so is only accessible when th he connecting cord is checked in the first few min nutes after the meter is switched
not plugged in. Unplug the connecting g cord, open the fuse on and corrected if necessa ary. We recommend switching it
holder using a screwdriver, take out the e defect fuse and re- on about ten minutes before e starting to take measurements,
place it with a new one (first check thee specification of this by which stage zero drift is innsignificant.
against the data on the type plate), theen fit the fuse holder
back in the mains socket. 4.3 Measuring direct fields
Should this fuse blow when the instru ument is switched on, Once the meter has been zeroed
z it is ready to take meas-
never replace it with a more resistant fuse!
f A defect is indi- urements. The mode switch h (4) must be in the „DIRECT
cated and the instrument must be return ned to the Phywe ser- FIELD“ position. The value „1“
„ displayed without leading ze-
vice department for repair. ros indicates overranging annd hence the need to switch to a
higher range. The direction of
o the field is also indicated in this
4.1 Using the probes case.
The component of the magnetic inductiion in the direction of
the axis of the probe is measured with h the axial probe. The 4.4 Measuring alternating fields
f
measuring point is right at the end of th he stem. The direction The mode switch (4) is move ed to the „ALTERNATING FIELD“
of direct fields can also be detected: if the
t field is directed to- (Wechselfeld) position. The display returns to zero within a
wards the handle of the probe (e.g. in front
f of the north pole few seconds when there is no n field acting on the probe. The
of a bar magnet) the value displayed is positive, whereas it is meter is then ready for use immediately. It should be noted
negative when the field is in the opposite e direction. that in this mode the meter responds to changes in the field
The tangential probe is provided with a protective tube that strength within about 3 s. Th he rms value of the value of the
has to be removed before any measure ements are taken. The magnetic induction, which is i assumed to be sinusoidal, is
Hall sensor is embedded in a flat plasstic stem about 1 mm displayed. The meter is calibbrated for an alternating field fre-
thick. Its position (measuring point) in th
he stem is clearly visi- quency of 50 Hz. Howeve er extremely accurate measure-
ble. In this case the component of th he magnetic induction ments are possible at freque encies of up to 500 Hz (limit fre-
perpendicular to the face of the probe is measured. The di- quency 5 kHz). The value „1“ displayed without leading zeros
rection of the field can also be detected when direct fields are indicates overranging and hence
h the need to switch to a
being measured: a positive reading in ndicates that the field higher range. Positive value es are always displayed in this
enters the probe from the direction of th he surface of the han- mode. Turning the probe thrrough 180° at a fixed measuring
dle that carries the nameplate, whereass a negative value in- point does not affect the valu
ue displayed.
dicates that the field has the opposite dirrection.
The probes generally have to be posiitioned accurately for 4.5 Using the analog outpu ut
precise measurement. They are easilyy held using a stand. External measuring instrume ents can be connected to the pair
The bosshead order no. 02040-55 is id deal. To avoid damag- of 4 mm sockets (7). In addiition to yt and xyt recorders pos-
ing them the probes should always be held h by the metal tube sibilities include computer-a aided measuring systems (e.g.
provided for the purpose at the end of thet handle rather than COBRA3 Basic-Unit 12150-5 50).
clamping the stem. The output voltage correspo onds to the digital display. It is 1
mV per digit; the limits of the
e indicating range correspond to

2
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the output voltage of ± 1.999 V (positive
e polarity only with al- 8 NOTES ON THE GUA
ARANTEE
ternating field measurements). The measuring
m instrument We guarantee the instrumen nt supplied by us for a period of
connected should have an internal resiistance of at least 20 24 months within the EU, or for 12 months outside of the EU.
kΩ. Excepted from the guarante ee are damages that result from
5 NOTES ON OPERATION disregarding the Operating Instructions, from improper han-
This high-quality instrument fulfills all of the technical re- dling of the instrument or from
m natural wear.
quirements that are compiled in curren nt EC guidelines. The The manufacturer can only be b held responsible for the func-
characteristics of this product qualify it fo
or the CE mark. tion and technical safety ch haracteristics of the instrument,
This instrument is only to be put into opeperation under special- when maintenance, repairs and a alterations to the instrument
ist supervision in a controlled electroma agnetic environment in are only carried out by the manufacturer
m or by personnel who
research, educational and training facilitties (schools, universi- have been explicitly authorize ed by him to do so.
ties, institutes and laboratories).
This means that in such an environme ent, no mobile phones
etc. are to be used in the immediate vicinity.
v The individual 9 WASTE DISPOSAL
connecting leads are each not to be long ger than 2 m. The packaging consists prredominately of environmentally
The instrument can be so influenced byy electrostatic charges compatible materials that ca an be passed on for disposal by
and other electromagnetic phenomena that t it no longer func- the local recycling service.
tions within the given technical specificcations. The following
measures reduce or do away with disturrbances: Should youu no longer require this product,
Avoid fitted carpets; ensure potential equalization;
e carry out do not disp
pose of it with the household re-
experiments on a conductive, earthed surface,
s use screened fuse.
cables, do not operate high-frequency emitters (radios, mo- urn it to the address below for
Please retu
bile phones) in the immediate vicinity. Following a blackout proper wastte disposal.
failure, operate the on/off switch for a res
eset.

PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. C KG

6 TECHNICAL DATA (TYPICAL FOR
F 25°C) Abteilung Kundendienst (Cusstomer Service)
Operating temperature range 5...40°C Robert-Bosch-Breite 10
Relative humidity < 80% D-37079 Göttingen
Measuring range 10-5 to1 T
Indicating range 10-5 to 2 T Phone 274
+49 (0) 551 604-2
Accuracy Fax +49 (0) 551 604-246
Direct field ± 2%
Alternating field 50 to 500 Hz ± 2%
Alternating field 500 to 1000 Hz ± 3%
Material of the Hallsensors GaAs,
monocrystalline
Temperature coefficient
(10 to 40°C) ≤ 0.04%/K
Limit frequency
(measurement of alternating field) 5 kHz
Analog output
Voltage range 0 to ± 2 V
Calibration factor 1 mV/digit
Protection class I
Connecting voltage see type plate
(+6%/-10%)
Mains frequency 50/60 Hz
Power consumption 10 VA
Mains fuse see type plate
(5 mm x 20 mm)
Case dimensions 225 x 235 x 170 mm
Weight approx. 3.75 kg
Hall probe, axial
Probe length (without handle) 300 mm
Diameter of the stem 6 mm
Weight approx. 0.38 kg
Hall probe, tangential
Dimensions of the stem
(without handle) 75 x 5 x 1 mm
Weight approx. 0.20 kg

7 EXPERIMENTAL LITERATURE
E
Handbook Laboratory Experiments Physsics 16502-32

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