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 superposition of the two individual fields to form the combined field of the pair of coils is demonstrated.

Benefits

• Particularly homogeneous magnetic field and high flux density due to large Helmholtz coil diameter
• Helmholtz coils suitable for multiple other elementary experiments

Tasks

1. To measure the magnetic flux density along the z-axis of the flat coils when the distance between them alpha = R(R = radius of the coils) and when it is larger and smaller than this.
2. To measure the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux density when the distance between coils alpha = R, using the rotational symmetry of the set-up: a) measurement of the axial component Bz; b) measurement of radial component Br.
3. To measure the radial components B´r and B"r of the two individual coils in the plane midway between them and to demonstrate the overlapping of the two fields at Br = 0.

Learning objectives

• Maxwell's equations
• Wire loop
• Flat coils
• Biot-Savart's law
• Hall effect"