Tangent Galvanometer
Product Code : SCL-PLE-11795
Quick Answer: The Tangent Galvanometer is a vertical multi-tap coil on a non-magnetic levelling tripod with a compass box at its centre, used to check the tangent law and find the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field. The compass reads on a 0–90° four-quadrant scale with an anti-parallax mirror.
Last updated: 18 October 2026
Key Features
- Multi-tap coil winding with selectable numbers of turns.
- Coil ring approx. 20 cm in diameter on a non-magnetic frame.
- Rotatable compass box with magnetic needle and long aluminium pointer.
- 0–90° four-quadrant scale with anti-parallax mirror strip.
- Non-magnetic tripod base with levelling screws.
- Brass terminals for each tapping.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Coil | Multi-tap, selectable turns |
| Coil diameter | Approx. 20 cm |
| Compass box | Rotatable, magnetic needle, long aluminium pointer |
| Scale | 0–90°, four quadrants, anti-parallax mirror |
| Base | Non-magnetic tripod with levelling screws |
| Terminals | Brass |
How It Is Used
The base is levelled and the coil turned into the magnetic meridian so the pointer reads zero. A current is passed through the chosen turns and the deflection read at both ends of the pointer, then the current is reversed and the readings repeated. The tangent of the mean deflection is proportional to the current, and from it the horizontal component of the Earth’s field is calculated, a standard magnetism practical for this school galvanometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Tangent Galvanometer measure?
The horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field, through the tangent law, using the deflection of the compass needle at the centre of the coil.
Can the number of turns on the Tangent Galvanometer be changed?
Yes. The coil has a multi-tap winding with selectable turns, each tapping brought out to brass terminals.
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See the full physics lab equipment range, or these related tangent galvanometer circuit items:
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Laboratories and education suppliers in Uzbekistan, Mauritania, Belgium, Bahamas, Chile and Fiji can source the Tangent Galvanometer from JLab India for export.
For a quotation on the Tangent Galvanometer, contact JLab India on +91-8569909696.
