Physics lab manual

Physics Laboratory Manual
for
Engineering Undergraduates

Dr. P. K. Giri
Department of Physics
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

A project completed under the Curriculum
Development Cell, Quality Improvement Program
(Q.I.P), IIT Guwahati, sponsored by A.I.C.T.E.,
India.

July 2005

CONTENTS

Instructions for Laboratory ……….3
Bibliography ……….4
Experiment 1: Error Analysis and Graph Drawing ………..5
Experiment 2: Coupled Pendulum ……….15
Experiment 3: Study of Small Oscillation using a bar Pendulum ……….22
Experiment 4: Rotational Inertia of a Rigid Body ……….26
Experiment 5: Velocity of Sound (Appendix: CRO) ……….29
Experiment 6: Radiation from a black body: Stefan-Boltzmann Law ……….39
Experiment 7: Melting point of a solid ………42
Experiment 8: Measurement of e/m by Thomson’s Bar magnet method ……...45
Experiment 9: Measurement of e/m by Helical Coil method ……….54
Experiment 10: Charging and discharging of a capacitor ……….62
Experiment 11: Self inductance and resistance of a coil ……….70
Experiment 12: Resonance in LCR circuit ……….72
Experiment 13: Hysteresis Loop for a ferromagnetic material (M-B curve) ….81
Experiment 14: Electromagnetic induction ………...88
Experiment 15: Electrical resistivity of semiconductors ………..96
Experiment 16: Planck’s constant ………..100
Experiment 17: Magnetic field along the axis of a coil (Biot-Savart Law) …….107
Experiment 18: Study of Hall effect (Lorentz Force) ……….110
Experiment 19: I-V Characteristic of a Solar Cell ……….114
Experiment 20: Air wedge: Interference of light ……….123
Experiment 21: Newton’s Ring ……….125
Experiment 22: Diffraction at a single and double slit (Appendix : Lasers) …..131
Experiment 23: Diffraction Grating ………..144
Experiment 24: Speed of light in glass ………..153
Experiment 25: Polarization of light ………..157

2

Instructions for Laboratory

• The objective of the laboratory is learning. The experiments are designed to
illustrate phenomena in different areas of Physics and to expose you to measuring
instruments. Conduct the experiments with interest and an attitude of learning.
• You need to come well prepared for the experiment
• Work quietly and carefully (the whole purpose of experimentation is to make
reliable measurements!) and equally share the work with your partners.
• Be honest in recording and representing your data. Never make up readings or
doctor them to get a better fit for a graph. If a particular reading appears wrong
repeat the measurement carefully. In any event all the data recorded in the tables
have to be faithfully displayed on the graph.
• All presentations of data, tables and graphs calculations should be neatly and
carefully done.

• Bring necessary graph papers for each of experiment. Learn to optimize on usage
of graph papers. For example, in Experiment 16 (Planck's constant) you do not
need three separate sheets to represent the graphs of lnIph vs. T-1 for the three
different filters. All the three graphs can be accommodated on a single graph
sheet.

• Graphs should be neatly drawn with pencil. Always label graphs and the axes and
display units.

• If you finish early, spend the remaining time to complete the calculations and
drawing graphs. Come equipped with calculator, scales, pencils etc.

• Do not fiddle idly with apparatus. Handle instruments with care. Report any
breakage to the Instructor. Return all the equipment you have signed out for the
purpose of your experiment.

3

Bibliography

Here is a short list of references to books which may be useful for further reading in
Physics or instrumentation relevant to the experiments. Also included are some references
to books of general interest with regard to science and experimentation.

I "Fundamentals of Physics", 6th Ed., D. Halliday, R. Resnick and J. Walker, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 2001.
2. "Physics", M. Alonso and E.J. Finn, Addison Wesley, .1992.
3. "The Feynman Lectures in Physics (Vols. 1, 11 and 111)", R.P. Feynman, R.B.
Leighton and M.Sands, Addison Wesley, 1963.
4. "Fundamentals of Optics", 4th Ed., F.A. Jenkins and H.E. White, McGraw-Hill Book
Co., 1981.
5. "Optics", A Ghatak, Tata-McGraw Hill, New Delhi, 1992
6. "Vibration and Waves", A.P. French, Arnold-Heinemann, New Delhi, 1972.
7. "Students Reference Manual for Electronic Instrumentation Laboratories",
S.E. Wolf and R.F.M. Smith, PHI, 1990.
8. "Basic Electronic Instrument Handbook", C.F. Coombs, McGraw-Hill Book Co.,
1972.
9. "Laboratory Experiments in College Physics", C.H. Bernard and C.D. Epp, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1995.
10. "Practical Physics", G.L. Squires, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1985.
11. "Great Experiments in Physics", M.H. Shamos, Holt, Rinehart and Winston Inc.,
1959.
12. "Experiments in Modern Physics", A.C. Melissinos, Academic Press, N.Y., 1966.
13. "Reliable Knowledge", J.Ziman, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
1978.
14. "Introductory Readings in the Philosophy of Science", Edited by E.D. Klenke,
R. Hollinger, A.D. Kline, Prometheous Books, Buffalo, New York, 1988.

4

Experiment 1

Error Analysis and Graph Drawing

I. Introduction:
1.1 It is impossible to do an experimental measurement with perfect accuracy. There is
always an uncertainty associated with any measured quantity in an experiment even
in the most carefully done experiment and despite using the most sophisticated
instruments. This uncertainty in the measured value is known as the error in that
particular measured quantity. There is no way by which one can measure a quantity
with one hundred percent accuracy. In presenting experimental results it is very
important to objectively estimate the error in the measured result. Such an exercise
is very basic to experimental science. The importance of characterizing the
accuracy and reliability of an experimental result is difficult to understate when we
keep in mind that it is experimental evidence that validate scientific theories.
Likewise, reliability and accuracy of measurements are also deeply relevant to
Engineering.

The complete science of error analysis involves the theory of statistics (see Ref.
1,2) and is too involved to present here. This short presentation is intended to
introduce the student to some basic aspects of error analysis and graph drawing,
which it is expected that the student will then put into practice when presenting
his/her results of the coming experiments.

I.2 When a measurement of a physical quantity is repeated, the results of the various
measurements will, in general, spread over a range of values. This spread in the
measured results is due to the errors in the experiment. Errors are generally
classified into two types: systematic (or determinate) errors and random (or
indeterminate) errors. A systematic error is an error, which is constant throughout a
set of readings. Systematic errors lead to a clustering of the measured values
around a value displaced from the "true" value of the quantity. Random errors on
the other hand, can be both positive or negative and lead to a dispersion of the
measurements around a mean value. For example, in a time period measurement,
errors in starting and stopping the clock will lead to random errors, while a defect

5

in the working of the clock will lead to systematic error. A striking example of
systematic error is the measurement of the value of the electric charge of the
electron 'e' by Millikan by his Oil Drop method. Millikan underestimated the
viscosity of air, leading to a lower value for his result

e = (1.591 ± .002) x 10-19 C ------------------------------------- (1)
Compare this with a more modem and accurate value (Cohen and Taylor 1973,
Ref. 3)
e = (1.602 189 ± 0.000 005) x 10-19C. ---------------------- (2)
Systematic errors need to be carefully uncovered for the particular experimental set-
up and eliminated by correcting the results of the measurements.

I.3 Random errors are handled using statistical analysis. Assume that a large number (N)
of measurements are taken of a quantity Q giving values Q1, Q2, Q3…QN. Let Q be
the mean value of these measurements
N
Q= 1
N Qi i=1 ---------------------------------- (3)
i =1

and let 'd' be the deviation in the measurements
N
d= 1
N (Qi − Q ) 2 ----------------------------------------------- (4)
i =1

The result of the measurement is quoted (assuming systematic errors have been
eliminated) as
Q =Q±d --------------------------------------------- (5)
The error Q in the quantity is then taken to be the deviation d. (This is called the
standard error in Q)
In a single measurement of a physical quantity, the error can be estimated as the least
count (or its fraction) of the instrument being used.
As an example, the result of a measurement of the radius of curvature R, of a plano-
convex could be quoted as
R = 140 ± 0.2 cm. ------------------------------ (6)
This means that we expect that the value of R being in the range 139.8 to 140.2 cm.
Note however, that this does not mean that the “true” value of R necessarily lies in
this range, only that there is a possibility that it will do so.

6

The error in measurement can also be quoted as a percent error
∆Q d
×100 = ×100 ----------------------------------------- (7)
Q Q
For example, the percentage error in R is 0.143 %.

I.4 Combination of errors:

Many times the value of a measured quantity may depend on other intermediate
measured quantities. For example we could have a quantity Q which is a function F
of a number of independent intermediate variables say x, y and z i.e.,

Q = F(x,y,z)---------------------------------------------------(8)
If the indeterminate errors related to x, y, z are ∆x, ∆y and ∆z respectively, then the
error in Q can be calculated as
∆Q = (∂F / ∂x ) ∆x + (∂F / ∂y )∆y + (∂F / ∂z )∆z = a∆x + b∆y + c∆z ------------ (9)
An important characteristic of errors is that the total error in a function, due to
different variables is always additive. Therefore, more accurately, the error Q is
calculated as
∂F ∂F ∂F
∆Q= ∆x + ∆y + ∆ z = a ∆ x + b ∆ y + c ∆ z -------------- (10)
∂x ∂y ∂z
= QA + QB + QC

As an example, consider the quantity Q= x + y .
If the error in x (i.e., ∆x ) is negative and that in y (i.e., ∆y ) is positive, the total error
in the quantity x+y will be ∆x + ∆y not ∆x + ∆y , which means combination of
errors always lowers the quality of the experimental data.
In fact, using statistical analysis (where the. error is defined as the root mean square
deviation from the mean) the correct expression for the error in Q can be shown to
be ∆Q = ( ∆x ) 2 + ( ∆y ) 2 .
In general we have the rule that (following statistical analysis) if Q is a function of
x, y, z,…., then
( ∆Q ) 2 = (∆Q x ) 2 + (∆ Q y ) 2 + (∆Q z ) ) 2 ............. -------------------------- (11)

∂Q ∂Q ∂Q
where, ∆Q x = ( )∆x ; ∆Q y = ( )∆y ; ∆Q z = ( )∆z etc.
∂x ∂y ∂z
The following table summarizes the results for combining errors for some standard
functions. Try to derive some of these results.

7

S.No Function Error in Q or Fractional error Q/Q

1. Q=x+y ∆Q = ( ∆ x ) 2 + ( ∆y ) 2

2. Q=x–y ∆Q = ( ∆ x ) 2 + ( ∆y ) 2
3. Q = xy
2 2 2 2 2
∆Q ∆x ∆y ∆Q ∆x ∆y
= + = +
Q x y Q x y

4. Q = x/y
2 2 2 2 2
∆Q ∆x ∆y ∆Q ∆x ∆y
= + = +
Q x y Q x y

∆Q ∆x
5. Q = xn =n
Q x
∆x
6. Q = ln x ∆Q =
x
∆Q
7. Q = ex =∆x
Q

II. Drawing of best fit straight line graph:

To draw the best fit straight line graph through a set of scattered experimental data
points we will follow a standard statistical method, known as least squares fit
method.
Let us consider a set of N experimental data points (x1,y1), (x2,y2), …….(xN,yN). It
is well known that a straight-line graph is described by the equation
y = mx + C. ----------------------------------------
(12)
We ask the question: how are the slope 'm' and the y-intercept 'c' to be determined
such that a straight line best approximates the curve passing through the data points?
Let Si = yi - mixi - c be the deviation of any experimental point P (xi, yi), from the

8

best fit line. Then, the gradient 'm' and the intercept 'c' of the best fit straight line has
to be found such that the quantity
S = ( yi − m x i − c )2
i

is a minimum . We require
∂S ∂S
=−2 x i ( y i − m x i − c) = 0 and =− 2 ( y i − m x i − c) = 0 ,
∂m ∂c

which give,
m x i2 + c xi = x i yi and m x i + Nc = yi .

1
The second equation can be written as as y = m x + c , where y = y i and
N
1
x= xi showing that the best fit straight line passes through the centroid
N
( x , y ) of the points (xi , yi ) .The requires values of m and c can be calculated from
the above two equations to be
( x i − x ) yi
m= and c = y − m x ----------------------------------(13)
( xi − x )2

The best-fit straight line can be drawn by calculating m and c from above. A
graphical method of obtaining the best fit line is to rotate a transparent ruler about
the centroid so that it passes through the clusters of points at the top right and at the
bottom left. This line will give the maximum error in m, ( m)1, on one side. Do the
same to find out the maximum error in m, ( m)2 on the other side. Now bisect the
angle between these two lines and that will be the best-fit line through the
experimental data.

What are the errors in the gradient and intercept due to errors in the experimental
data points? The estimates of the standard errors in the slope and intercept are
1 Si2 1 x2 Si2
(∆m) 2 ≈ and (∆c) 2 ≈ + ,
D N−2 N D N−2

where D = ( x i − x ) 2 and Si is the deviation ,Si = yi – m xi – c .

II.1. Presentation of error associated with experimental data in a graph.
Let us consider a function, y = f(x), where x is an independent parameter which in
the hand of the experimentalist during performing the experiments and y is the
experimental data which is having a value depending upon the x and the instruments.
Let the error associated with x be ±Ax and that for y be ±Ay. One can represent ±Ax

9

and ±Ay with the experimental data point P(x,y) on the graph paper. To do that, first
plot P(x,y) on the graph paper, then draw a vertical line parallel to y axis about the
point P(x,y) of length 2Ay. So upper half of the line represents the error +Ay and the
lower half represents -Ay error. To present ±Ax, draw horizontal lines at the two
ends of the vertical line of length 2Ax each. The whole presentation is now giving
the errors associated with the experimental point P(x,y).

Figure 1 is an example of experimental data of
resonance absorption of – ray experiment
(Mössbauer spectroscopy) with error
associated with each experimental data. The
solid lines give the fitted curve through the
experimental data. Note that the error in the
variable along horizontal axis is not shown.

Fig 1
II.2 Use of graphs in experimental physics:

In practical physics, the graph of the experimental data is most important in
improving the understanding of the experimental results. Moreover from the graphs
one can calculate unknowns related to the experiments and one can compare the
experimental data with the theoretical curve when they are presented on same graph.
There are different types of graph papers available in market. So, one should choose
the appropriate type of graph paper to present their experimental results in the best
way depending upon the values of the experimental data and the theoretical
expression of the functions. To understand all those some of the assignments are
given below in addition to those we discussed before.

10

III. Exercises and Viva Questions
1. What is the general classification of errors? Give an example of each. How are they
taken care of?
Radius of curvature(cm)
2. What is the meaning of standard error? Calculate the
standard error for the hypothetical data given in the 130.121
130.126
adjacent table. Express the quantity as in eq(5) i.e. 130.139
R =R ±d 130.148
130.155
3. What is the percentage error in Millikan’s experiment of 130.162
the charge of the electron: e = (1.591± 0.002) x 10-19 C? 130.162
130.169
4. What is the error in the volume of a cube V=L3 if the
error in L is 0.01m? If L is measured as L= 2 ± 0.01,
express the value of V in a similar manner.
5. A small steel ball-bearing rests on top of a horizontal table. The radius (R) of the ball
is measured using a micrometer screw gauge (with vernier least count 0.05 mm) to
be 2.15 mm. The height of the table is found using an ordinary meter scale to be 90
cm. What is the height of the center of the steel ball from the floor (include the
error)?.
6. Let Q = x - y, where x= 100 ± 2 and y = 96 ± 2 .Calculate Q (express the result with
the error included)
7. Consider the quantity Q = x / y. If x = 50 ± 1 and y = 3 ± 0.2. Calculate Q (express
the result with the error included)
8. In an experiment involving diffraction of sodium light using a diffraction grating, the
double lines are unresolved at first order and a single spectral line is seen at an angle
of 130. If the least count of the vernier of the telescope is 1/, what will be the error in
the calculated value of the grating constant d? (Principal maxima of a grating occurs
at angles such that d sin = m . The wavelength separation between the sodium
0
double slit lines is 6 A )
9 Consider an experiment to measure the gravitational acceleration ‘g’ by measuring
the time period of a simple pendulum. What are the possible sources of systematic
error in this experiment?
10. “If there are always errors in any measurement then there is nothing like the ‘true’
value of any measured quantity “. Comment on this statement. In what sense then do
you understand the values of ‘physical constants’ to be constants?

11

References:
1. “Practical physics”, G.L.Squires, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1985.
2. “Laboratory Experiments in College Physics”, C.H.Bernard and C.D. Epp, John-
Wiley and Sons, Inc, New York, 1995.
3. Cohen, E.R and Taylor, B.N, J. Phys. and Chem. Reference data ,vol 2, page
663,1973

12

Experiment 1

Error Analysis and Graph Drawing

Assignments:

1. Experimental data (in arbitrary units) of some experiment is given below :

x -10 4 10 16 20 35 40 32 40 45 53 60 65 70 80 85

y -17 -20 -30 -17 -35 -2 -19 -3 -4 10 11 24 20 30 37 47

x 100 115 120 122 129 133 140 141 150 151 154 157 160 170 172 183

y 50 80 77 79 80 83 80 100 90 113 102 110 100 106 101 200

(a) Assuming 10% of error in Y values, plot the data on preferred graph paper showing
the errors in terms of error bars.

(b) Calculate the slope and intercept of the best fit graph .Draw the best fit graph on the
above graph.

2. The expression of refractive index of a prism id given by the following relation:
A+D
sin
2
= . Assuming the error of A and D as A and D, express the error of
sin(A / 2)
. Here ‘A’ is the angle of the prism and ‘D’ is the angle of deviation.

3. The relation between two independent variables X and Y is given as the empirical
expression Y = a X + b X3 .The experimental data for X and Y are given below :

X : 0.130 0.192 0.232 0.263 0.299 0.326 0.376 0.392 0.416 0.454
0.471 Y : 0.280 0.405 0.504 0.593 0.685 0.749 0.922 0.986 1.049
1.192 1.256 X : 0.492 0.533 0.541

Y : 1.332 1.51 1.531

Rearrange the equation to plot the graph in simpler form. (Hint: Plot Y/X vs X2).
(Why?) .Then find out the constants ‘a’ and ‘b’ from the graph .Try to co-relate the

13

expression with some practical experiment in physics and give your comments about
the constants.

4. Expression of some function is given by, Y=a X b, where ‘a’, ‘b’ are unknown .Use
the following experimental data to find out the constants by plotting an appropriate
graph of Y vs. X. Try to co-relate the above expression with some practical
experiment in physics and give your comments about the constants.

X : 465 599 688 720 878 922 1025 1220 1311 1410
1509

Y : 2589 7106 12132 15680 25090 40616 60142 117626 168086 222876
287091

5. The ionic conductivity of (C) of a crystal is given as a function of temperature (T) by
the equation, C = C0 exp (+ E/kT) where k is Boltzmann constant. (T is in Kelvin
and C is in CX107 cgs unit)

T : 746 805 825 853 875 885 915 952 965 990

CX107 : 1.82 2.90 5.85 8.40 19.1 32.7 66.1 120 245 418

Plot the experimental data on suitable graph paper and find out the value of C0 and
E.

(Four graph papers required).

14

Experiment 2

Coupled Pendulum
Apparatus:
Two compound pendulums, coupling spring, convergent lens, filament bulb on stand,
screen on stand, stop clock.

Purpose of experiment:
To study normal modes of oscillation of two coupled pendulums and to measure the
normal mode frequencies.

Basic Methodology:
Two identical compound pendulums are coupled by means of spring .Normal mode
oscillations are excited and their frequencies are measured.

I. Introduction:
I.1 The reason why the study of simple harmonic motion is important is the very general
manner in which such a motion arises when we want the response of a system to
small deviation from the equilibrium configuration .This happens for a wide variety
of systems in Physics and Engineering.
The response of a system to small deformations can usually be described in terms of
individual oscillators making up the system. However, the oscillators will not have
independent motion but are generally coupled to that of other oscillators. Think for
example of vibrations in a solid. A solid can be thought of as being composed of a
lattice of atoms connected to each other by springs. The motion of each individual
atom is coupled to that of its neighboring atoms.
The description of a system of coupled oscillators can be done in terms of its
normal modes. In a coupled system the individual oscillators may have different
natural frequencies. A normal mode motion of the system however will be one in
which all the individual oscillators oscillate with the same frequency (called the
normal mode frequency) and with definite phase relations between the individual
motions. If a system has n degrees of freedom (i.e. has n coupled oscillators) then
there will be n normal modes of the system. A general disturbance of the system can
be described in terms of a superposition of normal mode vibrations. If a single
oscillator is excited, then eventually the energy gets transferred to all the modes.

I.2 In this experiment we will study some of the above features in the simple case of
two coupled compound pendulums. The system studied in the experiment consists
of two identical rigid pendulums, A and B. A linear spring couples the oscillations
of the two pendulums. A schematic diagram of the system is given in Figure 1.
The motion of the two pendulums A and B can be modeled by the following
coupled differential equations ( A and B are the angular displacements of A and B,
and I being their moments of inertia)

15

Fig 1

The equations of motion of the two physical pendulums are easily obtained. Let A
and B be the angular displacement, and xA and xB the linear displacements of the
two pendulums respectively .The compression of spring will be
l
( x A − x B ) = .where l is the distance between the point of suspension and the point
L
where the spring is attached and L is the length of the pendulum. The equation for
pendulum A thus will be
d2 A l
I = − m g LC M sin A − k ( x A − xB ) l cos A ------------------------
dt 2 L
(1)
where the first term on the right hand side is the restoring torque due to gravity (LCM
being the distance between the point of suspension and the position of the center of
mass of pendulum A) while the second term that due to the spring force .Assuming
the mass attached to the pendulum A to be sufficiently heavy we can equate LCM
and L. We also consider small displacements A, so that sin A A and cos A 1.
Substituting A = xA / L and using the above approximations, we obtain the
following equation of motion for linear displacement xA:
d 2 xA mgL l2
=− x A − k ( x A − xB ) ----------------------------------------
dt 2 I I
(2)
Like wise the equation for is
d 2 xB mgL l2
=− xB − k ( x A − xB ) ----------------------------------------
dt 2 I I
(3)

16

Equations (2) & (3) are coupled, i.e. the equation for xA involves xB and vice –
versa. Without the coupling, i.e. in the absence of the spring, xA and xB would be
independent oscillations with the natural frequency 0 = (m g L ) / I .

I.3 It is easy to find uncoupled equations describing the normal modes of the system.
Define the variables
x1 = xA + xB ; x2 = xA - xB ----------------------------------------(4)
Adding and subtracting eqs(2) and (3) we obtain equations for the variables x1 and
x2 as
d 2 x1 mgL
2
=− x1 ---------------------------------------------------- (5)
dt I

d 2 x2 mgL k l2
=− x2 − 2 x 2 --------------------------------------------- (6)
dt 2 I I
Note that the equations for x1 and x2 are uncoupled .The variables x1 and x2 describe
independent oscillations and are the two normal modes of the system .The general
solution to these equations will be
x1 (t ) = A1 cos( 1 t+ 1 ) ; x1 (t ) = A2 cos( 2 t+ 2 ) ---------------------- (7)
(A1, A2 being the amplitudes of the two modes and 1 and 2 arbitrary phases).The
corresponding natural frequencies are the normal mode frequencies:

2k l2 2k l2
1= 0 ; 2=
2
0 + = 0 1+ ------------------------- (8)
I mgL

mgL
where 0 = is the natural frequency of each uncoupled pendulum.
I
It is instructive that to visualize the motion of the coupled system in these normal
modes. If we excite only the first normal mode, i.e. x1(T) 0, but x2(t) = 0 at all
times, the individual motions of pendulums A and B will be

x A (t ) =
1
(x1 (t ) + x 2 (t ) ) = A1 cos ( 1t + ) = x B (t ) = 1 (x1 (t ) − x 2 (t ) ) ------------------ (9)
2 2 2
Note that in this mode xA = xB .This describes a motion in which both pendulums
move in phase with the same displacement and frequency 1.

On other hand if the second mode id excited, i.e. x1(t) = 0 for all times and x2(t) 0
the individual motions are

x A (t ) =
1
(x1 (t ) + x2 (t ) ) = A1 cos( 2 t+ 2 ) = − x B (t ) = −
1
(x1 (t ) − x 2 ( t ) ) --------
2 2 2
(10)

17

In this mode the displacements of the pendulums are always opposite (x1(t) = - x2 (t)
). Their motions have the same amplitude and frequency (= 2) but with a relative
phase difference of . Figure 2 shows the motions in the normal modes.

I.4. A general motion of the coupled pendulums will be be a superposition of the motions
of the two normal modes:
1
x A (t ) = [A1 cos ( 1 t+ 1 ) + A2 cos( 2 t+ 2 )]
2
1
x B (t ) = [A1 cos( 1 t+ 1 ) − A2 cos( 2 t+ 2 )] --------------------------------- (11)
2
For a given initial condition the unknown constants (two amplitudes and two
phases) can be solved. Consider the case where the pendulum A is lifted to a
displacement A at t = 0 and released from rest while B remains at its equilibrium
position at t = 0. The constants can be solved (see Exercise 4) to give the
subsequent motions of the pendulums to be
− +
x A (t ) = A cos 2 1
t cos 2 1
t
2 2

− +
x B (t ) = A sin 2 1
t sin 2 1
t ----------------------------------- (12)
2 2
The motions of the pendulums A and B exhibit a typical beat phenomenon. The
motion can be understood as oscillations with a time period 4 / ( 2 + 1) and a
sinusoid ally varying amplitude A(t) with the amplitude becoming zero with a period
of 4 / ( 2- 1). As an example, Figure 3(a),3(b) show plots of x(t)=sin(2 t)sin(50 t)
and x(t)=cos(2 t)cos(50 t) vs. t respectively.

18

II. Setup and Procedure:
1. Uncouple the pendulums. Set small oscillations of both pendulums individually.
Note the time for 20 oscillations and hence obtain the average time period for free
oscillations of the pendulums and the natural frequency 0.
2. Couple the pendulums by hooking the spring at some position to the vertical rods of
the pendulums. Ensure that the spring is horizontal and is neither extended nor
hanging loose to begin with.
3. Switch on the bulb and observe the spot at the centre of the screen.
4. Excite the first normal mode by displacing both pendulums by the same amount in
the same direction. Release both pendulums from rest. The spot on the screen should
oscillate in the horizontal direction.
5. Note down the time for 20 oscillations and hence infer the time period T, and
frequency 1 of the first normal mode.
6. With the spring at the same position excite the second normal mode of oscillation by
displacing both pendulums in the opposite directions by the same amount and then
releasing them from rest.
7. The spot on the screen should oscillate in the vertical direction. Note down the time
for 20 oscillations and hence infer the time period T2 and frequency 2 .
8. Repeat these measurements for the spring hooked at 3 more positions on the vertical
rods of the pendulums.
(Part
B)
9. For any one position of the spring (already chosen in Part A), now displace any one
pendulum by a small amount and (with the other pendulum at its equilibrium
position) release it from rest. Observe the subsequent motion of the pendulums. Try
to qualitatively correlate the motion with the graph shown in Fig. 3. Measure the
time period T of individual oscillations of the pendulum A and also the time period
T between the times when A comes to a total stop. Repeat these measurements
three times for accuracy. Infer the time periods T1, and T2 of the normal modes from
T and T and compare with earlier results.

(Note: Your measurements will be more accurate only if you choose t somewhat
smaller than the total length L, i.e. choose a position of the coupling spring which
is intermediate in position).

19


1. What are normal modes of a system? How many normal modes will a system
posses?
2. Infer the normal mode frequencies for the coupled pendulum by directly
considering the motion in the two modes as shown in fig 2.
3. Qualitatively explain why the first normal mode frequency is independent of
the position of the spring while the second normal mode frequency increases
with l, the distance of the spring from the point of support.
4. For the cases where pendulum A is lifted and released from rest derive
unknown constants A1, A2 , 1 , 2 in equation (11) to obtain the solution
equation (12).
5. Explain the effect of damping on the motion. Redraw figure 3 qualitatively if
damping is present.
6. List all the approximations made in the theory of the double pendulum treated
in the theory as against the actual apparatus used and estimate the error
introduced. Also, consider possible sources of random errors while conducting
the experiment.
7. Explain why the spot on the screen moves the way it does, i.e. horizontally
when the 1st normal mode is excited and vertically when the 2nd normal mode
is excited.
8. Describe and explain the motion of the spot on the screen when only pendulum
is displaced.
9. In part B, derive the expressions for the normal modes 1 and 2 from the T
and T .What is the reason that the procedure asks you to choose a value of l
small compared to L for better accuracy?
10. Give some more examples of coupled oscillations from Physics or Engineering
systems.
References
1. “Vibrations and Waves”, A.P .French, Arnold-Heinemann, New Delhi, 1972.
2. “The elements of Physics”, I.S.Grant and W.R.Phillips ,Oxford University
Press, Oxford

20

Coupled Pendulums
Observations and Results

Position of Mode 1 Mode 2
spring from
pivot
Time(sec) Period T1 Angular Time(sec) Period T2 Angular
l (cm) frequency frequency
(for 20 (sec) (for 20 (sec)
oscillations) 1 (sec
-1
) oscillations) 2 (sec
-1
)

Table of Observations for Part B
Position of spring l = __________________ cm (Note that this has to be one of the values
Chosen in PART A)
Time period Time Average Average Angular Angular
S.No between period frequency frequency
successive between T T
oscillations successive (sec) (sec) 1 1 1 1
=2 − =2 +
stops 1
T ∆T
2
T ∆T
T (sec)
T (sec)
1

2

3

Calculations and Graph
2 2 2 2
1. On the same graph paper plot 1 / 0 and 2 / 0 vs. l2 .
2 2
2. Obtain the slope of the graph of 1 / 0 vs. l2 and hence obtain the spring
constant k of the coupling spring
Slope = 2 k / (mgL) = _____________________
Spring constant k = _______________________dynes / cm
Conclusions:

(One graph paper required).

21

Experiment 3

Study of Small Oscillations using a Bar Pendulum

Apparatus:
A bar pendulum with holes for hanging, Wall support for hanging, stop clock, meter scale,
knife edge for measuring the center of mass of the bar.


To measure the acceleration due to gravity (g) by small oscillations of a bar pendulum.

Theory

The period of oscillations T of a body constrained to rotate about a horizontal
axis for small amplitudes is given by the expression
1
I 2
T = 2π (1)
mgd
where m is mass of the body , d is the distance between center of mass (CM) and the axis
of rotation and I is the moment of inertia ( MI) about the axis of rotation given by (from
parallel axis theorem)
I = I 0 + md 2 (2)
where, Io is the moment of inertia about parallel axis through center of mass .
If k is the radius of gyration ( i.e. I 0= mk2 ). Then from eqs (1) and (2)

4π 2 2
T 2d =
g
(k + d 2 ) (3)

By recording the period of oscillations T as a
function d we can determine the values of
gravitational acceleration g as well as moment of
inertia Io of the body . The plot of T Vs d , shows
a minimum time period at d= K ,given by
1
2k 2
Tmin = 2π (4)
g

Experimental Set-Up

In this experiment the rigid body consists of a
rectangular mild steel bar with a series of holes
drilled at regular interval to facilitate the suspension at various points along its length (see
Fig.1). The steel bar can be made to rest on screw type knife-edge fixed on the wall to
ensure the oscillations in a vertical plane freely. The oscillations can be monitored
accurately using a telescope. The radius of gyration for this bar is

22

l 2 + b2
k2 = (5)
12
where l & b are the length & breath of the bar respectively.

Experimental Procedure:

1. Determine the center of mass (CM) by balancing the bar on a knife-edge.
Measurement of d is made from this point to the point of suspension for each hole.

2. Suspend the bar by means of knife-edge.

3. Focus the telescope on to the marker marked on the pendulum. There should not be
any parallax between the image of the marker and the cross wire in the eyepiece of the
telescope.

4. Measure the time for 10 to 20 oscillations for different d (only on one side of CM).
Repeat each observation several times.

Plot T Vs d. Calculate k and g from this graph.

Plot T2d Vs d2. Using linear regression technique fit the data and determines k and g from
it.

Estimate maximum possible error in g.

23

Experiment 3

Bar Pendulum

Least count of the measuring scale used = ………………….
Least count of the stop watch used = ………………….

Table I

S. No. Distance from No. of Time period Time period (T) T2d d2
CM of axis oscillations for n for 1 oscillation
(d) in cm (n) oscillations (Tn/n)
(Tn)
1 (i)
(ii)
(iii)
2 (i)
(ii)
(iii)
3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Calculation:

Tmin from the graph =….at d=……

At Tmin , d=k=…

24

2k
Tmin=2π , so, g =…….
g

From the plot of T2d vs. d2 , find the slope and intercept from linear regression.

From the Slope (4π2/g) , g can be calculated and from the intercept [(4π2/g)k2], k can be
calculated.

1/ 2
l 2 + b2
k can be calculated using the formula and compared with the value derived
12
from the graph. Why are the two k values different?

Results:

‘g’ value from T vs. d plot is ……
‘g’ value from T2d vs. d2 plot is …….
Average value of ‘g’ = …..

(Two graph papers required).

References:
1. Haliday, Resnick and Walker, “Fundamentals of Physics”, 6th Ed. (John Wiley,
Singapore, 2001), Chap. 16.

25

Experiment No. 4

Rotational Inertia of a Rigid Body

Apparatus

Torsional pendulum, support for hanging the pendulum, regular circular body, irregular
body, stop clock.

Objective:

To measure the rotational inertia of an object by dynamic method.

Theory

The equation of motion for small undamped rotational oscillations is

d 2θ
I + Cθ = 0 (1)
dt 2

Where I is the rotational inertia of the body about the chosen axis, is the angular
displacement and C is the restoring (controlling) torque per unit angular displacement.
This controlling torque is provided by the elastic rigidity of the wire with which the rigid
π r4
body is suspended. For a wire of radius r, length l and rigidity modulus G, C = G
2l
(2)

Equation (1) represents a simple harmonic motion with angular frequency ω given by

C
ω=
I

And time period of oscillations

I
T = 2π (3)
C

In this experiment the time period ( TO ) of the bare
oscillating system is measured first and then with a
regular body added to it. Since the rational inertia of
regular body can be calculated from its dimensions and

26

mass, we could use equation (3) in the two cases as follows :

For the bare system

I0
T0 = 2π (4)
C

Where I0 is the moment of inertia of the bare system. With the regular body added, the
time period would become

I0 + K
T1 = 2π (5)
C

Where K is the rotational inertia of the regular body.

One can solve equations (4) and (5) to get I0 and C using the two measured time periods
T0 and Tl

If the given irregular body replaces the regular body then equation (5) gets modified to

I0 + X
TX = 2π (6)
C

Where X is the rotational inertia of the irregular rigid body . Since I and C are known, X
can be calculated from equation (6).

Experimental Procedure

1. First ensure that the plate of the oscillating system is horizontal. You may have to
adjust the leveling ring for this purpose.

2. Measure the frequency of oscillations of the system by timing about 30 oscillations
or so. You may repeat the measurements a number of times to get a good mean value for
the time period T0. Formulae used are applicable only for small oscillations.

3. Place the regular body at the center of the plate and measure the frequency of
oscillations again, by timing the number of oscillations as before for measuring the
time period Tl.

27

4. Replace the regular body by the given object (irregular body) and measure the time
period of oscillation Tx..

Observation Table

S. System Number of Time for 30 Time Average
NO oscillations oscillations Period Time period
(sec) (sec)

(sec)

1. Bare system (Repeat T0 =
several times)

2. With (Repeat T1=
Reg.body Several times)

3. With Irreg. (Repeat TX=
body Several times)

Reference: Haliday, Resnick and Walker, “Fundamentals of Physics”, 6th Ed. (John Wiley,
Singapore, 2001), Chap. 11.

28

Experiment 5
Velocity of sound

Apparatus:
Audio frequency generator, speaker, microphone, Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO),
meter scale, large board (or wall), Thermometer (0-1000C)

i) To determine the Velocity of Sound
ii) To understand the operation of a CRO
Basic methodology:
Sound waves produced by an audio frequency generator are made to reflect off a large
reflecting board forming standing waves. A microphone connected to a CRO serves to
measure the amplitude of the sound. The wavelength of sound waves is obtained from the
positions of the nodes.

I. Introduction:
I.1. Standing waves are produced when two progressive sinusoidal waves of the same
amplitude and wavelength interfere with each other. Consider two traveling waves
traveling along the positive and negative x directions respectively
y1 ( x , t ) = A sin ( kx − ω t ) ------------------------- (1)
y 2 ( x , t ) = A sin (kx + ω t ) ------------------------- (2)
where A is the amplitude of the waves, k = 2 is the wave number and = 2 f
is the angular frequency. The quantity y(x,t) is the displacement of the medium at
the point x and time t. When the two waves are made to interfere then by the
principle of superposition, the net displacement is the sum of the individual
displacements. Thus,
y( x , t ) = y1 ( x , t ) + y 2 ( x , t ) = A sin (kx − ω t ) + A sin(kx + ω t )
y( x , t ) = (2 A sin kx ) cos ω t --------------------------------- (3)
The resulting displacement, eq(3) , represents a wave of frequency , and an
amplitude, 2Asin kx , which varies with the position x. The amplitude is zero for
values of kx that gives sin kx = 0 . These values are
kx = n for n =0,1,2,3…………
Now k =2 / . Therefore,
nπ
x= , n = 0,1,2,3......... ----------------------- (4)
2
represents the positions of zero amplitude .These points are called nodes .Note that
λ
adjacent nodes are separated by , half of a wavelength.
2

29

The amplitude of the standing wave has a maximum value of 2A, which occurs for
values of ‘kx’ that give sin kx = 0 . These values are

1
kx = (n + )π , n = 0,1,2,3.......... ------------------------ (5)
2

The positions of maximum amplitude are called antinodes of the standing wave.The
λ
antinodes are separated by and are located half way between pairs of nodes. Now,
2
a sound wave is a longitudinal wave representing displacement of particles in the
medium and the resulting pressure variations. Traveling sound waves can also be
taken to be represented by eqs. (1) and (2) with y(x,t) denoting the longitudinal
displacements of air particles. The velocity of the sound wave will be given by

v= /k=f ---------------------------------- (6)
In this experiment standing waves of sound are formed in air. The distance between
successive nodes or antinodes is /2. By measuring the distance between the nodes,
the wavelength can be determined and hence the velocity v of sound (knowing the
frequency f). The apparatus of the experiment includes a cathode ray oscilloscope
(CRO). One of the aims of the experiments is to provide a familiarity with the use of
a CRO. The main features and controls of a CRO are described in the appendix to
this experiment.

II. Setup and Procedure

Fig 1 shows the basic setup of the apparatus.

PART A
Connect the audio frequency generator to the loudspeaker (L) and adjust the controls
of the generator so that the speaker produces a sound signal in the frequency range I
- 10 kHz. Place the loud speaker facing a large board B (or a wall) at a distance of
about one meter.
Connect the small microphone (M) mounted on the bench. Connect the signal from
the microphone to the y-channel of the CRT.
Select a proper scale for the horizontal time base to observe a stationary sinusoidal
trace on the screen of the CRT. Adjust the vertical and horizontal positions so that
the trace is symmetrically positioned on the screen. Observe that the amplitude of

30

the trace changes as the position of the microphone is varied along the bench.
Measure the period of signal by reading the number of horizontal divisions
separating the minima of the signal on the CRO screen. From the chosen scale for
the time base determine the time interval between successive minima of the trace
and hence calculate the frequency of the signal and compare with the frequency
generated by the audio generator.
Next place the microphone close to the wall and move it away from the wall. Note
down the positions of the nodes, i.e. where the amplitude of signal on the CRT
screen becomes minimum. Note down the positions of at least five successive
nodes. Repeat this measurement for three different frequencies.
PART A
Set the Trigger source for the oscilloscope to external Trigger. Connect the output of
the speaker to the X input of the scope.
Observe the Lissajous pattern produced on the screen. Move the microphone along
the bench and observe different Lissajous patterns. Sketch the observed patterns for
the cases when the phase difference between X and Y signal are 00, 900, 1800, 2700.
(Note: due to small amplitude of the signals the observed pattern may be small in
size. Also due to attenuation of the reflected signals there can be distortion of the
pattern).
Select (say) the straight-line pattern for O' or 180' phase difference. Starting from
the position nearest to the loudspeaker move the microphone outwards towards the
wall and note the positions of where the selected pattern repeats. The distance
between two successive such positions corresponds to the wavelength of the sound
wave.
Precautions:
1. The microphone should be moved along the axis of the loudspeaker.
2. It is advisable to measure the position of nodes rather than antinodes
3. To lower error in the velocity determination the position of the nodes should be
accurately determined.
4. The intensity of the CRO spot / pattern should be set LOW especially when the
spot is stationary to avoid damage to the fluorescent screen
5. Learn the functions of the various control knobs of the CRO before operating
the
CRO.
III. Exercises and Viva Questions:
1. What is a traveling wave? Write down equations representing waves traveling
along +ve and -ve x directions.
2. What is a standing wave? Explain by superposing appropriate traveling waves.
3. What are nodes and antinodes? Draw a rough diagram depicting the standing
wave formed in the experiment. Is the point at the reflection board a node or
an antinode?
4. On what factors does the velocity of sound depend? What is the effect of
temperature, pressure and humidity on the velocity of sound?

31

5. What are Lissajous figures? Explain by construction how Lissajous patterns are
produced when two perpendicular oscillations of phase differences O0, 900,
1800, 2700 are superposed.
6. List the different sub-systems of a CRO and explain their operation and
function.
7. Explain how a CRO can be used for voltage, frequency and phase
measurements? How can a CRO be used for current measurement?
8. A periodic signal of 400Hz is to be displayed so that 4 complete cycles appear
on the oscilloscope screen, which has 10 horizontal divisions. To what settings
should the Trigger source and sweep Time / div be set to allow this pattern to
be displayed?
9. Explain what triggering, internal and external triggering mean.
10. List the possible sources of error in this experiment and quantitatively estimate

References:

1. “Fundamentals of Physics”, D.Halliday, R.Resnick and J.Walker,
6th edition, John-Wiley & sons, New York.
2. “Physics”, M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1942.

32

Appendix: Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)

A cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) is a convenient and versatile instrument to display and
measure analog electrical signals. The basic unit of a CRO is a cathode ray tube (CRT).
The CRO displays the signal as a voltage variation versus time graph on the CRT screen.
By properly interpreting the characteristics of the display the CRT can also be used to
indicate current, time, frequency and phase difference.
The basic subsystems of CRO are:
1. Display subsystem (CRT,)
2. Vertical deflection subsystem
3. Horizontal deflection subsystem
4. Power Supplies
5. Calibration circuits
Fig.1 shows a schematic diagram block diagram of how the subsystems are interconnected
to produce the observed signal.

Fig. 1
The Signal is sensed at its source by the oscilloscope probe. The signal voltage is then
transmitted to the oscilloscope along a coaxial cable and fed to the vertical display
subsystem. After suitable amplification, the input signal is applied to the vertical
deflection plates of the CRT. This causes the electrons emitted by the electron gun in the
CRT to deflect vertically in proportion to the amplitude of input voltage.
There is a simultaneous deflection of the electron produced by the horizontal deflection
subsystem. The amplified input signal is also fed to the horizontal deflection subsystem.
In order to produce a Y-t display a voltage that causes the horizontal position of the beam
to be proportional to time must be applied to the

33

horizontal deflection plates. The horizontal voltage called the sweep waveform is
generally of a saw tooth form. Fig. 3 shows has the time variation of the input signal is
displayed with help of the sweep waveform.
The synchronization of the input signal with the sweep wave form is carried out by the
time base circuitry. A triggering signal (which could be the input signal or an external
signal) is fed to a pulse generator. The emitted pulses are fed to a sweep generator, which
produces a series of sweep waveforms.
Controls on the CRO front panel:
A. General
Intensity: Controls the intensity of the spot on the screen by controlling the number of
electrons allowed to pass to the screen
Focus: Controls the focusing of the electron beam.
X Shift / Y Shift: Changes the deflection voltages by a constant amount to shift the signal
vertically or horizontally.
B. Vertical Deflections Subsystem
Vertical sensitivity: Amplifier for the vertical deflection subsystem calibrated in ten-ns of
sensitivity. The input voltage can be determined from the deflection of the signal. For eg.,
if the vertical sensitivity is set at 50 mV/div and the vertical deflection is 4 div, then the
input voltage is 50 x 4 = 200 mV.
Var (Vldir): Vernier control for continuous vertical sensitivity.

34

C. Horizontal Deflection Subsystem
Sweep Time (Time/dir):
Controls the sweep time for the spot to move horizontally across one division of the screen
when the triggered sweep mode is used.
Var (Time/div):
Vernier control for continuous change of sweep time.
Trigger:
Selects the source of the trigger signal, which produces the sweep waveform.
Internal Trigger:
The output of the vertical amplifier is used to trigger the sweep waveform.
External Trigger:
An external signal must be applied to the X inputs to trigger the sweep waveform.
Sweep Magnifier:
Decreases the time per division of the sweep waveform.
Trigger Level:
Selects amplitude point on trigger signal that causes sweep to start.
Trigger Mod:
AUTO provides normal triggering and provides baseline in absence of trigger signal.
NORM
permits normal triggering but no sweep in absence of triggering. TV provides triggering
on TV field or TV line.
References:
1. “Student Reference Manual for Electronic Instrumentation”, S.E.Wolf and
R.F.M.Smith, PHI, New Delhi, 1990.
2. “Basic Electronic Instrument Handbook”, C.F.Coombs, Mc Graw Hill Book Co.,
1972.

35


PART A

1. Room Temperature = _________________________0C

2. Frequency of Audio signal = _________________________

3. Time/div scale setting = _________________________

4. Calculated frequency from CRO screen = _________________

Table 1 : Position of Nodes

S.No Position of microphone at nodes(cm) Distance between successive nodes for the
following frequencies(in cm)
Frequency

f1=______kHz f2=_____kHz f3=_____kHz f1=______kHz f1=______kHz f1=______kHz

1

2

3

4

5

Calculations:

f1 = ____ kHz f2 = _____kHz f3 = _______kHz

Average /2 (cm)

Average (cm)

Velocity of Sound , v = f

36

Results:

The velocity of sound in air at room temperature __________0 C is

v = _________________________________ m/ sec.

Estimate the error in your determination of velocity of sound:

VEmp (T) = V0 T ; V0 = at 200 or NTP

∆V
Then calculate
VEMP

∆V = VEMP ~ Vtmp

PART B

1. Sketch Lissajous pattern observed on the CRO screen for the phase differences of 00,
900, 1800, 2700 between X and Y signals.

37

Table 2

Frequency of audio signal = ………………………………………….
Phase difference for pattern selected = ……………………………….

S. No. Position of microphone Difference between successive position λ (cm)
1
2
3
4
5

Average λ= ______________________________ cm

Result:

The velocity of sound v=f λ = ____________________________ m/s

Do error analysis same as in part A.

38

Experiment 6

Radiation from a Black Body: Stefan-Boltzmann Law

Apparatus

Blackened hemisphere (metal), heating coil, blackened silver disk, thermocouple, power
supply, stop clock etc.

Objective
To determine the Stefan–Boltzmann constant by studying the radiation received from a
black body radiator.

Theory

The total radiation from black body is given by Stefan-Boltzmann relation

R = σT 4 (per cm2 per sec) ………………. (1)

where R is the radiant energy per unit area per unit time and T is the absolute temperature
of the body. This relation was empirically deduced by Josef Stefan from the experimental
results of John Tyndall and was derived by Ludwig Boltzmann from theoretical
considerations based on thermodynamics.

Consider a black body radiator at temperature T1 and a metal disc at temperature T2 as
the receiver of the radiation (fig 1.). If R1 and R2 be the radiation absorbed and emitted by
the receiving metal disc respectively, then the energy gained per second by the disc is (R1-
R2 )A ; where A is the area of cross-section of the disc. If m and s are the mass and
specific heat of the disc, then

dT2 (R1 − R2 ) σA 4
ms
dt
=
J
A=
J
(T1 − T24 )
Jms dT2
σ= (2)
A(T1 − T2 ) dt
4 4

where dT2/dt is the rate of change of temperature of the disc. J=Joules’ equivalent
(4.2×107 ergs/calorie).

Experimental Setup

The experimental Setup
(Fig.1) consists of a
blackened hollow
hemisphere which could be
heated to a uniform
temperature (T1) by
passing electric current
through a nichrome heating
element wounded over it.

39

The black body could be maintained at any desired constant temperature up to about 2000
C by passing appropriate current through heating coil. A copper–constantan thermocouple
1 connected to outer surface of B is used to ensure that temperature of the body is constant
before starting the experiment. A blackened silver disc S serving as the receiver is inserted
into the hole in B. The thermocouple 2 connected to the disc is used to measure its
temperature.

Procedure:

1. Heat B to a uniform temperature (usually heating will be started before you come to
the lab). Ensure that the temperature of the black body is constant by monitoring the
thermo emf developed by thermocouple 1 for few minutes (ignore small fluctuations in
micro voltmeter display).

2. Insert a thermometer through the hole provided for the disc S carefully and measure
the temperature T1 of the black body.

3. Replace thermometer with the silver disc carefully and mount it properly (make sure
that disc is at room temperature before inserting).

4. Record the thermo emf of thermocouple 2 developed as a function of time (say at 10
sec interval).

5. Note down the mass
and diameter of the
disc.

6. Convert the thermo
e.m.f. to temperature
(T2) by using the
calibration chart for it
(will be supplied to
you).

7. Plot T2 as function of time, obtain dT2/dt from the data and calculate the value of σ.

(Specific heat of the silver disc at room temperature s= 0.235Jg-1K-1 )

Observations:

Mass of the disc:

Diameter of the disc:

Temperature of the black body (T1)= …

Temperature of the disc (T2)=….

40

Table for recording thermo e.m.f. as a function of time:

Sl. No. Time (sec) Thermo e.m.f. (mv) Temperature (K)

1 10

2 20

3 30

4 40

5 50

6 60

7 70

… 80

… 90

… ….

Plot T vs. time and find the slope and use eqn. (2) to calculate σ.

Result:

Measured value of σ = …….


References:
1. M. W. Zemansky and R. H. Dittman, “Heat and Thermodynamics, an
intermediate textbook” (MGH, 6th ed, 1981), Chap. 4.
2. B. L. Worshnop and H. T. Flint, “Advanced Practical Physics for Students”
(Khosla Publishing House, 1991).

41

Experiment 7

Melting point of Solids
Apparatus
Electric oven/heater, glass tube, thermometer, thermistor, voltmeter, unknown solid for
which melting point is to be found out.
Objective
To calibrate a thermistor using a thermometer and using the calibrated thermistor as
temperature sensor find the melting point of a given chemical compound.

Theory:

Thermistors (the name originated from thermal resistors) are basically semiconductor
devices with a characteristic negative temperature co-efficient of resistance. The
temperature dependent resistance of the thermistor is exploited in its application as a
temperature sensor. The sensitivity (>6% change in resistance per 0C rise in temperature)
and its rugged construction made it suitable for precision temperature measurement in the
temperature range –100°C to 300°C. Since thermistors are made up of a mixture of
metallic oxides such as Mn,Ni,Co,Fe,U etc., their resistance could be tailored between 0.5
Ω to 75 MΩ. They can also be made in varying sizes(beads as small as 0.15mm dia.) and
shapes. Thermally cycled thermistors give an extremely reproducible and reliable
resistance value over the specified dependence of the resistance of a typical thermistor.

Melting point of a solid:
In a solid, the relative distance between two atoms is fixed and atoms occupy equilibrium
positions. These atoms oscillate about their equilibrium positions. When the substance is
heated, the energy is partially used to increase the amplitude of atomic oscillations. This
results in thermal expansion of solid.

At sufficiently high temperature the solid melts, i.e. the atoms leave their equilibrium
position overcoming the binding energy and wander great distances through the resulting
liquid. However, even just below the melting point the atoms are in the vicinity of their
equilibrium positions. Hence substance must be supplied an extra energy required for
melting process. This extra energy is called latent heat. If energy is supplied at uniform
rate, the sample remains steady at melting temperature until it absorbs the latent energy.
The typical plot of temperature variations of a solid across its melting point, with time is
shown in fig.1.

DVM

Melting point

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

42

Experimental Set up:

An electrical oven has been designed for this experiment. A heating element is wound a
thin hard glass test tube. This test tube is thermally insulated from outer wall of the oven.
This oven can heat the substances up to 110°C by passing appropriate amount of current.
The thermistor resistance is measured using a Digital voltmeter (DVM). The schematic of
the setup is shown in Fig. 2.

Procedure:
The thermistor and the thermometer put together in the oven and heat the oven by passing
appropriate current through it. Measure the resistance of the thermistor from room
temperature to about 80°C. Plot the graph for resistance Vs temperature.(Switch off the
power supply immediately just after taking the readings). Now take the supplied chemical
in a test tube with the thermistor and put it inside the oven (Make sure that initially inside
of the oven is around the room temperature). Heat the oven and measure the resistance of
the thermistor in a regular time interval beyond the melting point(as you know during
melting resistance of the thermistor will be remain almost constant)

Analysis:
Plot the resistance Versus time. Calculate the melting point of the given sample using the
characteristics shown in fig. 1.

Observations:

Calibration of thermistor :

S. No. Temperature (oC) Resistance (Ω)
1 RT (25)
2 30
3 35
4 40
5 45
6 50
7 55
… …
…. …
…. …

S. No. Time (sec) Resistance (Ω)
1 0
2 10
3 20
4 30
5 40
6 50
7 60
… …
…. …
…. …

43

Analysis:
Plot two graphs and find the melting point (temperature) from the flat region of the 2nd
graph graph.

Results:
Melting point of the given solid is = …… oC


44

Experiment 8

e
Measurement of by Thomson’s bar magnet method
m
Apparatus:
Cathode ray tube (CRT) with power supply unit, one pair of bar magnets, high resistance
voltmeter, magnetometer, and stopwatch.

Purpose of the experiment:
e
To measure the specific charge, i.e. charge to mass ratio, of an electron using
m
Thomson’s bar magnet method.

Basic Methodology:
Electrons in a CRT are deflected in the vertical direction by applying a potential between
the vertical deflection plates of the CRT. A magnetic field perpendicular to the deflecting
electric field is produced using a pair of the bar magnets. The position of the magnets is
adjusted so as to cancel the deflection of the electrons. The knowledge of the deflecting
potential and the magnetic field of the bar magnets leads to a calculation of the specific
charge.

I. Introduction

We have learnt that the electron has a negative charge whose magnitude e equals
1.6x10-19 Coulomb and mass (m) equal to 9.1 x 10-31 Kg. Millikan's Oil Drop method
enables us to measure the electron charge but the mass of the electron can not be
measured directly. It is calculated by measuring the value of e/m. The aim of this
experiment is to determine value of e/m by Thomson's method. This involves the motion
of an electron in a cathode ray tube (CRT).
A simplified form of a cathode ray tube is shown in Fig. 1. The electrons are emitted
from the cathode and accelerated towards the anode by an electric field. A hole in the
accelerating anode allows the electrons to pass out of the electron gun and between the
two sets of deflection plates. The metallic coating inside the tube shields the right end
free of external electric fields and conducts away the electrons after they strike the
fluorescent screen where they form a luminous spot.

45

I.2 This experiment can be divided into the following parts:
1. The electric field (E) is applied alone. This produces a deflection of the
electron beam.
2. A magnetic field is simultaneously applied along the electric field so that the
deflection produced by the electric field is exactly counter-balanced by that
produced by the magnetic field. As a result the spot made by the electron on
the fluorescent screen returns back to the central position.

Fig. 2

Let us consider an electron moving in the direction of magnetic meridian (say X-
axis) with the velocity v0 m/s after passing through the accelerating anode. Under the
action of the electrostatic field E = V/s ( s being the vertical distance between the
plates VV/ and V the deflecting voltage)each electron ,as it passes between the plates
, is acted upon by a perpendicular force eE. As a result the electron moves along a
parabolic path AB(fig 2).The equation of motion is
d2 y
m = eE -------------------------------- (1)
dt 2
which, upon integrating once with respect to time, gives
dy eE
v0 = t ------------------------------------ (2)
dt m
where v0 = dx / dt is the constant horizontal velocity .Here we also used the initial
condition dy/dx = 0 at point A time t=0. At any point distant x(=v0 t) from point A in
the field between the plates VV/, eq(2) gives
dy eE
= 2
x ------------------------------------- (3)
d x m v0
On leaving the electrostatic field at point B (i.e. x=a), the electron moves along the
tangential path BC with it’s velocity making an angle with the horizontal. Clearly,
dy eE
tan α = tan FBC = = 2
a ------------------------- (4)
d x at po int B m v0
= Tangent to the curve AB at point B
The electron finally strikes the screen at the point C (fig 2). The total vertical
deflection of the electron
y = CF + FO/
Now
eEa L
CF = BF Tan = L Tan = 2
--------------------------- (5)
m v0
On the other hand, by eq (3), we have
eEx eEa2
BD = 2
dx = 2
------------------------------- (6)
m v0 2 m v0

46

Therefore the total displacement (y) in the spot position on the screen S due to the
application of electric field between the plates VV/ is
y = CF + FO/ = CF + BD
eEa a
y= 2
+L ----------------------------------- (7)
m v0 2
Thus
2
e v0 y
= ------------------------------------ (8)
m a
Ea +L
2
Hence, if the velocity of electron along the X-axis (v0) is known, the value of (e/m)
can be calculated.

I.3 Let B be the magnetic field produced by the two bar magnets placed symmetrically
on either side of the cathode ray tube at a distance d from it. The magnetic field of
the bar magnets will be in the east- west direction. The magnetic force in the electron
( )
is given by F = − e v × B . This step up a force Bev0 on the moving electron along
the Y-direction. As a result, the electrons path becomes circular, with radius of
curvature r given by
2
m v0
= B e v0 -------------------------------------- (9)
r
When the force on the electron beam due to crossed electric field and magnetic field
is equal and opposite, the electron beam will be un deflected.

For this we require
E
e E = ev 0 B or v0 =
B
The above analysis assumes that the magnetic field B is uniform. However the
magnetic field produced by the bar magnet is non-uniform. Fig.3 shows the
arrangement of the magnets with respect to the CRT.

Fig.3

Note that the CRT is aligned along the magnetic meridian, i.e. S-N direction, which
is the direction along which the horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field,
BE acts. Since BE and the electron velocity are parallel, there is no deflection
produced by the earth’s magnetic field.
The magnetic field produced by the bar magnet along the path of the electrons will
be a function B(x) of the position of the element and will act in the EW direction as
shown in fig 3. The deflection, y, due to the magnetic force will be in the negative y-
direction. To calculate the total deflection of the electron as it moves from A (anode

47

aperture) to S (screen) we proceed as follows.

The radius of curvature r of the electron path y(x) in the presence of the magnetic
field is related to the curvature of the path as
1 d2 y
=
r d x2
Of course, the radius of curvature will also change with position since the magnetic
field changes, i.e.
m v0
r = r(x) = by eq .(9).
e B(x)
Thus,
d2 y e B( x )
2
= -------------------------------- (10)
dx m v0
which upon integrating gives,
e B( x )
y(x) = dx dx
m v0
The net displacement y at the position of the screen (i.e. x = L0 = L-a) is then
L0 x
e B( x ) eI
y= dx dx = --------------------------- (11)
0 0
m v0 m v0
where we have denoted the double integral of the magnetic field as
L0 x
I= B( x ) dx dx ----------------------------- (12)
0 0

when the deflection due to the electric and magnetic field are the same then we can
use eqs(7) &(11) and eliminate the unknown velocity v0 to obtain
a
+L aVy
e 2
= ------------------------------- (13)
m s I2
I.4. Approximate evaluation of:

A calculation of the integral ‘I’ requires the knowledge of the magnetic field
produced by the magnets along the path of the electron in the CRT. We now give an
approximate calculation of I assuming that the magnets are very long compared to
the length of the CRT (L0). (See fig 3). The effect of the distant poles can be
ignored. The field at the point Q, which will be in a direction normal to the x-axis, is
(m + m′) d
B( x ) = 3
,
(x 2 + d 2 ) 2
here, m and m/ are the pole strengths of the N and S poles . The maximum of the
magnetic field, Bm occurs at x = 0.
( m + m ′)
Bm =
d2
Thus, we can write,
Bm d 3
B( x ) = 3
----------------------------- (14)
( x2 + d2 ) 2

48

L0 x
The integral I = d x d x B( x ) can be evaluated to give,
0 0

[
I = B m d d 2 + L20 − d 2 ] ------------------------------- (15)

I.5. Determination of Bm:

The value of Bm is determined from the
period of oscillation of the magnetometer
needle. The magnetometer is placed at the
center in place of CRT so that the magnets
are at a distance of d from it (see fig4). The
magnetometer needle aligns itself along the resultant magnetic field
fig 4
B = B 2 + B 2 where BE is the earth’s magnetic field acting towards south .
E m

A small disturbance of the needle about the equilibrium position causes it to
oscillate. The angular frequency of small oscillations can be easily shown to be
µB
(Exercise 7) ω = , where is the magnetic moment of the needle and I it’s
I
I
moment of inertia, and hence the time period of small oscillations T = 2 π .
µB
Now, the resultant magnetic field B = B 2 + B 2 = B m / sin θ 0 . Thus
E m

4 π 2 I Sin θ 0
Bm =
µ T2
In the absence of the magnets B=BE (due to the earth’s magnetic field) and the time
I 4π 2 I
period T0 = 2 π giving = T02 B E ,
µ BE µ
Thus,
T2
B m = 02 B E Sin θ 0 ------------------------------- (16)
T
With a determine of Bm the value of the eq(15) can be calculated and hence from
eq(13) the value of (e/m).

PART A
1. Place the magnetometer on the wooden box enclosing the CRT. Rotate the dial so
that 00-00 position is perpendicular to the length of the CRT. Next rotate the CRT
with the magnetometer on it so that the magnetometer needle aligns along 00-00
position. In this position the CRT is aligned along the magnetic meridian (N-S
position) while the scales attached perpendicular to the CRT (for magnetic
mounting), are in E-W position.

2 Switch on the power supply and adjust the intensity and focus controls to obtain a
fine spot on the CRT screen.
(Note: the position of the spot may not be at the center of the CRT screen. Note down
49

the initial position of the spot)

3. Choose a value of the deflection voltage and note down the deflection of the spot.
(Note: the deflection has to be taken with respect to the initial spot position.)

4 Now extend the scales attached to the CRT and place identical bar magnets (as
shown in Fig.3) and move the magnets symmetrically along the length of the scales
until the spot deflection becomes zero (i.e. the spot returns to its initial position).
Note the value d of the distance of the magnet poles from the center of the CRT.

5. Reverse the deflection voltage and (with magnets removed) note the deflection of the
spot.

6. Place the magnets on the scale and find the value of d for which the spot returns to
its

7. Repeat the above steps for three different spot positions
(Note: The deflection voltage should not exceed 375 volts)

PART B

Determination of time period of oscillation of magnetometer needle:

1. Align the wooden arm on which the magnetometer is placed along the magnetic
meridian and place the magnets along the scales in the EW direction at the same
distance ‘d’ as in part A.
2. Note the equilibrium deflection 0.

3. With a third magnet, slightly disturb the needle from its equilibrium position and
measure the time period of oscillations T.

4. Now remove the magnets and let the needle come to equilibrium at 00-00 position.

5. Disturb the needle about to this equilibrium position and measure the time period T0
of the oscillation.

Precautions:

1. The Cathode ray tube should be accurately placed with its longitudinal axis in the
magnetic meridian.

2. The spot on the screen should allowed to remain at a given position on the screen
for a long time.

3. There should not be any other disturbing magnetic field near the apparatus.

4. While taking the observations for time periods, the maximum angular
displacement of the magnetic needle should not exceed 40-50 degrees.


1. Study the working of a CRT. What is the typical value of accelerating voltage

50

used in a CRT? Estimate the velocity ‘vo’ of the electron.

2. What will happen to the spot if a sinusoidally time varying voltage is applied to
the deflecting plates VV/ or HH/? What will happen if such a voltage (of the
same frequency) is applied simultaneously to the horizontal and vertical
deflecting plates?

3. Draw a neat diagram showing the 3-dimensional orientations of vectors of the
electron’s horizontal velocity, the electric field, the magnetic field the electric
force on the electron and the magnetic force as the electron moves in the CRT.
Orient your diagram according to the experimental set-up.

4. If the deflecting voltage is switched off but the bar magnets kept in place, will
there be a deflection of the spot? Describe qualitatively the motion of the
electron in the CRT from aperture to screen.

5. Describe the motion of the electron in the CRT in the presence of the deflecting
voltage magnetic fields of the magnets

6. What is the effect of earth’s magnetic field on the electron motion? What would
happen if the apparatus were rotated by 900 so that the CRT is along the EW
direction?
7. Consider a dipole aligned with a magnetic field .If the dipole is given a small
angular displacement, then it experiences a restoring torque ‘ ’ = Bsin ,
where ‘ ’ is the angle between the dipole and the magnetic field . Considering
small displacements , show that the dipole will oscillate about the equilibrium
B
with angular frequency . Where ‘I’ is the moment of Inertia.
I

8. Recalculate the integral ‘I’ (eq 12) assuming that the magnetic field of the
magnet is a constant B=Bm. Use this to calculate the specific charge “e/m”. Does
our approximate evolution of ‘I’ improve the evaluation of “e/m”?

9. What are the sources of error in this experiment?

10. How does your result compare with “e/m” measurement by Thomson’s method
? Which experiment is more accurate?

References:

1. “Advance Practical Physics for Students”, B.L.Worsnop and H.T.Flint,
Mentheum London, 1942.

2. “Physics”, M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1942.

51

Experiment 8
Measurement of e/m by Thompson’s bar magnet Method

1. Constant Values

Length of plate, a = 2 cm
Distance to screen from plate, L = 16.0 cm
Distance between the plates, S = 0.4 cm
Horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field BE = 3.53 X 10-5 T .

PART A: Measurement of deflection y:

Initial position of spot, yo = ____________________ cm (specify +ve or –ve)

Table 1
Applied Displaced position of Displacement of spot y = Mean Position of magnet d Mean
Voltage spot y1 (cm) y1 - yo Displacement (cm) d (cm)
V(volts) Direct Reverse Direct Reverse y(cm) Direct Reverse

1

2
3

PART B Determination of Time period

Table 2(all time measurements are in seconds)
No. of Oscillations = ___________________

Without Magnet With Magnet

S.No d = ____ cm d = ______ cm d = ______ cm
= _____ deg = _____ deg = _____ deg

Total To Total T Total T Total T
time time time time

Mean To Mean T

52

Calculations:
To2
Displacement Bm =
T2
B E sin O
[
I = B m d d 2 + L2o − d 2 ] a
+L aVy
e 2
=
m s I2

1

2

3

Results:

Calculated value of specific charge of electron (e/m) = __________________ C/Kg.

Standard Value of (e/m) = _________________ C/Kg

% error in e/m = _________________.

53

Experiment 9
Measurement of “(e/m)” by helical coil method
Apparatus:
Cathode ray tube (CRT), CRT power supply, DC power supply (30V), solenoid, Rheostat,
DC voltmeter, and connecting wires.

To measure the specific charge, i.e. .charge to mass ratio (e/m) of an electron.

Basic methodology:
Electrons are accelerated towards the screen of a CRT and also deflected by a transverse
AC voltage. The CRT is placed in a magnetic field produced by a solenoid. The resulting
motion of the electron is then helical .A measure of the pitch of the helix leads to a
calculation of the e/m ratio .

________________________________________________________________________

Introduction
1.1 Electron are emitted at the cathode of a CRT and accelerated through an
accelerating DC voltage Va towards the screen. In addition a small transverse
(AC) voltage acts across the XX/ plates.. Once the electron leaves the plate region
its velocity ‘v ‘is constant and makes angle with Z-axis. The component of it’s
velocity along Z-axis is v|| =v cos When the AC deflecting velocity is
switched on, different electrons receive varying velocity v and hence a line
gets formed on the CRT screen.

fig 1

I.2 When the CRT is placed along the axis of the solenoid then there is a magnetic
field B= o n I (along the axis of the solenoid) which acts on the electron. Here
n=number of turns per unit length of the solenoid and I=current in the solenoid,
length of the solenoid and I=current in the solenoid.

54

Fig 2
I.3 When the magnetic field is present the motion of
the electron in the CRT is helical. This is seen as
follows. Viewed along the Z-axis with the
magnetic field coming out of the page, the
magnetic field has the effect of making the
electron move in a circular path (fig3). The
centripetal force is
2
m v⊥
= e v⊥ B -------- (1)
r Fig. 3

with v r ( is the angular velocity of circular motion =cyclotron frequency)
eB
gives =
m
2 m
The time period of evolution is T = ------------------------------------ (2)
eB
Note that T is independent of v
Along with the circular motion the electron has a longitudinal velocity v|| v
which transforms the purely rotational motion to helical path (fig 4)

fig 4

I.4. The pitch of the helical motion is defined as longitudinal distance moved in one full
rotational period i.e.

55

I.4. The pitch of the helical motion is defined as longitudinal distance moved in one full
rotational period i.e.
2 mv
pitch = v||T -----------------(3)
eB
I.5. When the magnetic field is switched on the line on the CRT rotates and shrinks. The
AC deflecting voltage produces a range of “v values (both +ve and –ve) for the
transverse velocities of the electrons. The radii of different electrons will be different
but all the electrons rotate through the same angle in the same time causing the line
on the screen to rotate. (fig 5).

From fig.5 , it is clear that if each electron
rotates through a full circle then the line on the
CRT screen will shrink to a point .For this
purpose to happen the distance L (from plate
to screen of the CRT )should at least
equal to one pitch of the helix . By adjusting
B the pitch of the helix can be made equal to
L and the lines becomes a point .This is called fig.5
focusing action of the magnetic field.

I.6 At this value of magnetic, we have
2 mv
L= pitch = ---------------------- (4)
eB
The velocity ‘v’ of the electron can be estimated using the accelerating Va , by
2 e Va
(½) m v2 = e Va > ----------------------------- (5)
m
Thus,
2 2 Va m
L=
B e
giving,
e 8 Va
= --------------------------- (6)
m L2 B 2
The value of the ratio (e/m) can be calculated knowing the accelerating voltage Va
the distance L and the magnetic field of the solenoid B .

II. Setup and procedure:

1. Insert the CRT in the solenoid approximately at the middle position. Place the
axis of the solenoid parallel to the magnetic meridian. (This is to counter balance
the effect of the Earth’s magnetic field).

2. Insert the plug of the CRT to the base of the power supply.

3. Connect the DC power supply, rheostat & solenoid in series as shown in fig.6

56

Fig 6

4. Let the DC power supply to solenoid be switched off to begin with. Switch on
the power supply to the CRT. Select the AC supply in the ‘Off’ position .Use
the intensity & the focus controls to obtain a point –like spot at the center of
the screen. Next select the AC supply in the ‘X’ position and adjust the
voltage using the control to get a line on the screen about 1.5 cm long
.Using a voltmeter across the terminals of the accelerating voltage supply adjust
the control to set the voltage Va=250 V.

5. Switch on the DC power supply to the solenoid .As you increase the voltage the
line on the screen shrinks and also rotates. Increase the voltage so that the
line shrinks to a point on the screen. This is the focusing effect. If the does not
completely shrink to a point in the voltage range available adjust the rheostat
position till this is possible. Note down the current I1 through the solenoid at this
point.

6. Keeping all settings same, interchange the contact at A&B (fig 6). This reverses
the direction of the current in the solenoid. Adjust the DC supply till a point
like image is again obtained on the screen and record the current I2.

7. Repeat step 4 & 6 for accelerating voltages Va=275V & 300V.

III. Error analysis:

1. One of the major sources of error in the experiment is the horizontal component
of earth’s magnetic field BE=3.53 x 10-5 T. This has partly been taken care of by
our averaging procedure. Assuming that in the forward position the Bo adds to
the solenoid field and that in the reverse position BE reduces the solenoid field
8 2 Va 8 2 Va
Then (e / m )1 + (e / m )2 = 2 + 2
L ( B1 + B E ) 2 L (B1 − B E ) 2

Assuming BE << B1 & B2 , one can Taylor expand the RHS to get the following
8 2 Va 8 2 Va 16 2 Va − B E B E
RHS ≅ + 2 2 + + 3
L2 B1
2
L B2 L2 3
B1 B2
The third term is negligible if B1=B2. Thus the average of (e/m)1 & (e/m)2 gives a
value for e/m corrected for the earths magnetic field(BE).

57

2. Another source of error in our expression (eq 6) for e/m is that we have used a
2 e Va
constant value v = for the velocity of the electron. This may be all right if
m
the acceleration is completed before the electron starts traveling the distance L.
However if the acceleration extends beyond the edge of the X plates, then our
use of constant ‘v’ will lead to an over estimate of e/m.

3. A further source of error is due to fact that the solenoid is of a finite length. The
magnetic field along the axis of the solenoid varies with position. The value
B= on I is strictly valid only for an infinite solenoid (see exercise 5)

4. General error analysis:
Take a variation of eq (6) for e/m as a function of Va , L & B . Add the
magnitude of all the terms in the variation and divide the expression by e/m .this
leads to the estimation of the fractional error as
∆ (e / m ) ∆ Va ∆L ∆B
= +2 +2 ----------------------------- (7)
(e / m ) Va L B
Va & L can be taken to be the least counts of the respective measuring
instruments .The error in B i.e. B = ( o n I) can arise due to error in the
current
measurement and error in counting the number of turns.

IV. Exercises and Viva Questions:

1. What will be the effect of the earth’ s magnetic field on the experiment? How is
the effect accounted for in the experiment?

2. What will be the effect of keeping the solenoid axis perpendicular to the
magnetic meridian?

3. Why does the line on the CRT screen rotate and shrink as the magnetic field is
turned on?

4. What will be the difference in the experiment if the transverse deflecting voltage
is DC instead of AC?

5. Evaluate the magnetic field on the axis of a solenoid of finite length (at point ‘p’
as shown in figure)

and show that it is given by
B=( on I / 2)(cos + cos )
6. Derive equation (7).

∆ ( e / m)
7. Estimate the error in your experiment.
( e / m)

58

8. Refine the error estimate for the magnetic field by using exercise 5 and
∆ ( e / m)
recalculate .
( e / m)
9. What happens to the pattern on the screen if the solenoid current is continuously
increased?

10. Compare this experiment with the Thomson’ s bar magnet method for measuring
e/m.

References:

1. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D.Halliday, R.Resnick and J.Walker, 6th edition, John-
Wiley & sons, New York.
2. “ Electricity & Magnetism” , A.S .Mahajan and A.A.Rangwalla ,Tata –McGraw Hill,
New Delhi.

59

Experiment 9

Measurement of (e/m) by helical coil method.

Constant values:
1. Distance between the edge of X deflecting plates and fluorescent screen, L =
9cm.

2. Total number of turns in the solenoid, N = 3350.

3. Length of the solenoid, l = ____________ cm.

4. Magnetic permeability of free space, o = 4 x 10-7 Nm2 / Amp2.

Observation table :
I1= Solenoid current I2 = Solenoid current
(forward direction) (reverse direction)

1. Va = 250V

2. Va = 275V

3. Va = 300V

Solenoid current and accelerating voltage at focusing

Calculations and results:
1. B1 = ( oN I1) /( l ) 8 2 Va
Va = 250V (e/m )1 = ---------- (e/m)avg =
L2B12
=
B2 = ( oN I1) /( l ) 8 2 Va
(e/m)2 = ----------
L2B22
=
2. B1 = (e/m)1 = (e/m)avg =
Va = 275 V
B2 = (e/m)2 =

3. B1 = (e/m)1 = (e/m)avg =
Va = 300 V
B2 = (e/m)2 =

60

Results:

The calculated value of e/m =____________________C/kg.

The standard value of e/m =_____________________C/kg.

% Error in e/m =_____________________

61

Experiment 10

Charging and Discharging of a Capacitor
Apparatus:

Ballistic galvanometer, lamp, and scale, capacitor, resistor, solar cell, light filters, stop
watch, two way switches, damping key , connecting wires .


i) To study the charging and discharging of a capacitor
ii) To measure the time constant characterizing charging / discharging process
iii) To understand the working of a ballistic galvanometer.

Basic Methodology:

A capacitor is charged by a solar cell and discharged (for different times) through a
resistor and ballistic galvanometer .The deflection of the galvanometer is in proportion to
the amount of charge that passes through it .A lamp and scale arrangement is used to
measure the deflection.

I. Introduction:

I.1 The basic circuit for charging and discharging a
capacitor is shown in fig 1. If switch S1 is closed
keeping S2 open, then the battery charges the capacitor
and current flows through the resistor R1 until the
capacitor is fully charged. If the charge on the capacitor
at time t is q(t) , then the voltage across the capacitor
C is q/C .and the current through R1 is i = dq/dt .
By applying Kirchoff’ s second law, fig.1

iR1 + (q/C) = R1 (dq/dt)+(q/C) = . -------------------- (1)
which has the solution
q(t) =C (1 – exp(-t / R1 C ) ) = qo(1 – exp(-t / R1C ) ) -----------------(2)
where qo = C
The quantity =R1C is the charging time constant which characterizes the rate at
which charge is deposited on the capacitor .As t , eq (2) shows that q C
In practice the capacitor charges to its maximum value qo after a time interval
equal to a few time constants. Once the capacitor is fully charged then the current i
through the resistor become zero.

I.2 At this point if the switch S1 is opened and S2 is closed the charge in the capacitor
discharges through the resistor R2

62

By Kirchoff’ s second law
dq q
R2 + = 0 --------------------------------------- (3)
dt C
with the solution (taking q=qo at t=0)
−t
q ( t ) = q 0 exp ---------------------------------------(4)
R2 C
Thus the charge on the capacitor decays exponentially with time. In fact after a time
t=R2 C (equal to the discharging time constant ) the charge drops from it’ s initial
value qo by a factor of e-1 .

II.2 In this experiment we will measure the quantity of charge present in the capacitor by
discharging it through a ballistic galvanometer . The circuit for the experiment is
shown in fig.2.

fig 2.
A solar cell generates emf upon being illuminated by a light source. The ballistic
galvanometer is a sensitive detector of small quantities of charge. Thus, it is
sufficient to charge the capacitor with solar cell, which typically produces an output
of about 0.1 – 0.3 V. When the switch S1 is in the position L M and the switch S2
is in the position A B, then the capacitor gets charged. The time constant for
charging is 1=R1C.If the switch S1is in the position L N, then the capacitor
discharges through the resistor R2. The time constant is 2=R2C. At any point of time
the charge residing on the capacitor, can be measured by changing S2 to the position
A D, discharging the capacitor through the ballistic galvanometer (BG).

II.3. Ballistic galvanometer:

A galvanometer is an instrument, which uses magnetic effects for detecting and
measuring currents or electric charge. In a moving coil galvanometer, a flat
conducting coil is suspended between the poles of a permanent magnet (fig 3). The
coil consists of an insulated wire wound on light brass or aluminum frame.

The coil is usually suspended by a phosphor bronze strip, which also serves as the
current lead for the current to the coil and is finally connected to a terminal at the
base of the instrument. The other end of the coil is connected to a light spring, which
provides the restoring couple. The other end of the spring is attached to the other

63

terminal.

A ballistic galvanometer is used for the
purpose of measuring the total charge
in an impulse current as against
measurement of a steady current. For
this we require that the period of
oscillation of the moving coil be large
compared to the time for the current
pulse passing through it. This is
achieved by loading the coil so as to
increase its moment of inertia. Thus
when the current pulse passes through it
, the coil receives a kick due to an impulse torque. Subsequently the coil oscillates
freely due to the restoring torque provided by the suspension. The maximum
deflection amplitude (called first throw position) is reached long after the current
is passed. A necessary requirement is also that damping is small. The fact that the
coil is kicked from rest (much like a bullet is shot of a gun) leads to the
nomenclature ballistic galvanometer for the instrument.

The first throw position (maximum amplitude of deflection) is proportional to the
total charge q = i dt in the current i passing through the coil. If A is the area of the
coil , n is the number of turns of the coil and B is the magnetic field of the
permanent magnet .Then the impulse on the coil is
G = n (i A) B
leading to an initial angular momentum ( I is the moment of inertia of the coil ) ,

I = G dt = n A B q ----------------------------(5)

If the restoring torque provided by suspension is k then equating the initial kinetic
energy To the work done by the restoring torque , we get

1 2 1
I ω = k θ 02 --------------------------------- (6)
2 2
which leads to (using eq 5 ),
1
q= Ik θ0
n AB
I
I
Substituting T = 2 π , the period of free oscillations, we get
k
T k θ0
q= ----------------------------------- (7)
π nAB 2

showing the proportionality relationship between q and

64

The deflection of the coil is measured by the
deflection of a light beam by the mirror attached to
the coil (fig 4). This deflection is recorded as the
linear deflection of the spot, X, that the reflected
beam makes on the scale. Clearly X will also be
directly proportional to the charge q discharged
through the ballistic galvanometer. Thus, if the
capacitor is discharged through the galvanometer
after different charging / discharging times, the
relation of X with time will be given by equations
analogous to eqs (2) & (4).

Note the damping key S in fig (2). When passed, this
simply shorts the two ends of the galvanometer coil. fig 4
The oscillations of the coil get severely damped (why?). The damping key thus can
used to stop the motion of the coil. .

II. Set - up and Procedure:

Part A: Measurement of time constant for charging of capacitor.

1. Connect the circuit as given in fig.2 with R1 = 0 (i.e. without the resistance R1).
(This is to ensure that the charging of the capacitor by the solar cell is almost
instantaneous)

2. Choose a filter for the light illuminating the solar cell. (The voltage output of the
solar cell will depend on the intensity of the light illuminated it).

3. Switch on the lamp of the lamp and scale arrangement and adjust the
arrangement so that a bright spot is obtained on the scale. Use the damping key S
to bring the bright spot to rest. Note down the initial rest position of the spot.

4. Switch on the illumination to the solar cell with the key S1 in the L M
position. The solar cell will then charge the capacitor.

5. After fully charging the capacitor (this should happen in the less than a minute),
press the key S2 to the A D position. This will cause the capacitor to the
discharge through the ballistic galvanometer. Note the deflection Xo of the first
throw position of the spot.

(Caution: The deflection should not be larger than about 20 cm. Causing too
large to discharge through the galvanometer will cause a large and uncontrolled
deflection of the coil which can damage the instrument. Choosing darker
filter colours for the solar cell illumination can moderate the charge on the
capacitor)

6. Depress the key S2 so that it is in the A B position and also set the key S1 so
that it is in the L M ( charging ) position .Again fully charge the capacitor .

7. Set the key S1 to the L N position so that the capacitor discharges through the
resistor R2. Discharge the capacitor for a time t (t can be measured with the help

65

of a stop watch). At the end of the time t press S2 to the A D position and
note the

first throw position X . Repeat for t = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 seconds.

8. Repeat the measurement for two different filters.

Part B: Measurement of time constant for charging of capacitor.

1. Add the resistance R1 ( R1 2 M ) to the circuit as in fig 2 .Also remove the
resistance R2 from the circuit leaving the node N unconnected.

2. Choose a filter and switch on the solar cell and set the key S1 in L M position
to charge the capacitor.

3. At the end of a time interval t (measured by stop watch) turn the switch S1 to the
L N position. This halts the charging of the capacitor. Now depress S2 to
connect A D discharging the capacitor through the galvanometer and note the
first throw deflection X.

(Note: You will need to take a large number of measurements (about 10 – 15) to
get
proper results .Also make sure there are sufficient measurements for times
smaller than and for times greater than the time constant .You could
choose the following measurements : t = 5 , 10 , 15 , 20 , … … .60 seconds )


1. Plot qualitatively the curves q(t) describing charging and discharging of a
capacitor
and explain these curves physically .

2. What is the physical meaning of the time constant = RC? Explain for both the
cases of charging and discharging.

3. Estimate total charge deposited by the solar cell on the capacitor. Why do we
need to use solar cell in the experiment?

4. What is the effect of changing the filter? Look at your observations and verify
your
expectations.

5. How does a ballistic galvanometer work? Why it is called so? Why do we need
to use a ballistic galvanometer in this experiment?

6. Why is it necessary in a ballistic galvanometer, to have a relatively large moment
of inertia for the moving coil and small damping ?

7. What is the effect on the galvanometer deflection on pressing the damping key?
Explain why the damping is produced?

66

8. What would be the effect on the experiment if resistances of the order of 100 or
1 k were used?

9. By what percentage (with respect to the maximum charge on the capacitor C )
, does the capacitor charge / discharge in a time interval t = ,t = 2 ( =
time constant )?
10. Estimate the width of the current pulse that passes through the ballistic
galvanometer when the capacitor is discharged through it .You may need to have
an idea of the intrinsic resistance of the galvanometer.

References:

1. “ Physics” , M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1992

2. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D.Halliday, R.Resnick and J.Walker,6th edition, John-
Wiley & sons, New York 2001.

67

Experiment 10

Charging and Discharging of a Capacitor

Observations and results

Part A: Measurement of time constant for discharging of a capacitor

R2 = ________________________

C = ________________________

PART A : Measurement of time constant for discharging of capacitor

Table 1
Rest position of spot on the scale = ______________________

S.No Discharging First throw position X (cm) ln X
time t (sec)
Red Green

1 0

2 10

3 20

4 30

5 40

6 50

7 60

Calculations:

Plot the graph of ln X vs. t and draw a best fit straight line .Obtain the time constant from
slope ( = - 1 / R2 C ) of the line .

Slope =

68

= - (1 / slope) =

Results:
The value of time constant measured = __________________ sec

The value of time constant calculated =___________________ sec

Part B: Measurement of time constant for charging of capacitor
Table 2
Rest position of spot on scale =___________________

S No Charging time t (sec) First throw position X (cm)
1 0
2 5
3 10
4 15
5 20
6 25
7 30
8 35
9 40
10 45
11 50
12 55
13 60
14 65
15 70

Calculations:

Plot the graph X vs. t and fit a smooth curve. Draw an asymptote to the graph for large
values of t. Estimate the asymptotic value Xo for X for large values of t. From the graph
estimate the time at which X = Xo (1- e-1) = 0.63 Xo. This time is an estimate of the
charging time constant = R 1 C. Explicitly
Show the procedure on the graph.

Results:
1. Estimated value of time constant = _______________

2. Calculated value of time constant = R1C = ______________


69

Experiment 11

Self Inductance and resistance of a coil

Objective :
To determine the self inductance and resistance of a coil with air core and iron
core.

Theory:

Let us consider an R-L circuit connected to an ac supply as shown in Fig 1.
Practically it is not possible to have an ideal inductor at room temperature. The present
inductor coil has a self inductance of ' and resistance '. Let V 1 be the voltage drop
L' r'
across the coil which is the combination of voltage drop due to inductance ' and L'
resistance '. Let VL and Vr be the voltage drop due to the inductive and resistive parts of
r'
the coil. From Fig.2

V 1= √ (VL2 + Vr 2) --------------------------------(1)

Let V2 be the voltage drop across the resistor ' and ' be the total voltage drop across
R' V'
the R-L Circuit. The complete phase diagram is shown in Fig 3.

From Fig.3,

V 2 = V12 + V22 − 2V1V2 Cos (π − θ )

Or

V 2 = V12 + V22 + 2V1V2 Cos(θ ) … (2)

Vr = V1 Cos θ --------------------(3)

V L = V1 Sin θ-------------------- (4)

Also VL = I.L.ω ------------------(5)

and Vr = I r--------------------- (6)

70

By measuring the voltage V across resistor R, current I in the circuit can be determined.
Measure V1, V2, and V to determine L and r using equations (2) to (6).

Procedure:

1. Connect the R-L circuit to the oscillator using the given resistor and inductor coil
(Fig. 1).

2. Set the oscillator frequency to 2 KHz and set the voltage amplitude in the oscillator such
that the voltage drop across the inductor does not exceed certain Volts (… .).

3. Measure the voltage drops V 1 , V 2 and V for different values of R (Table 1).

4. Repeat the experiment by inserting an iron rod into the inductor coil.

From eq (2) to eq (6) calculate the inductance L and resistance r of the coil for air core
and iron core and plot them as a function of current in the circuit.

Table1

Sl No. R(ohms) V(volts) V1(volts) V2(volts)

Table2

Sl No R(ohms) I(amps) L(mH) R(ohm)

71

Experiment 12

Resonance in LCR circuits

Apparatus:

Oscillator (1 to 150 kHz), variable capacitor, resistance, resistance box, AC mill voltmeter.


To study resonance effect in series and parallel LCR circuit. This experiments also enables
study of forced damped oscillation.

Basic methodology:

In the series LCR circuit, an inductor (L), capacitor (C) and resistance(R) are connected in
series with a variable frequency sinusoidal emf source and the voltage across the
resistance is measured. As the frequency is varied, the current in the circuit (and hence the
1
voltage across R) becomes maximum at the resonance frequency ν 0 = . In the
2π L C
parallel LCR circuit there is a minimum of the current at the resonance frequency.

I. Introduction:

I.1 There is in general an analogy between resonating mechanical systems (like a driven
spring mass system) and electrical systems involving inductors, resistor and
capacitors. In the electrical case it is the charge q(t) on the capacitor (or the current
I= dq/dt ) that satisfies a differential equation analogous to the displacement of the
mass in the familiar spring mass system.

Consider the circuit fig 1 consisting of an
inductor (L) , capacitor (C) and a resistance(R)
connected in series with a source of
sinusoidally varying emf (t) = o cos t .
Equating the voltage drops across the resistor
and capacitor to the total emf, we get,

RI + ( q / C ) = VL+ o cos t Fig.1

= - L (dI / dt ) + o cos t --------------(1)
Differentiating the equation with respect to time
and rearranging, we get

L ( d2 I / dt ) + R (dI / dt) + ( I / C ) = - o sin t -----------------------(2)

which is analogous to the equation of motion for a damped oscillator .

The current I(t) has the solution
I(t)= Io cos ( t – ) --------------------------------------(3)

72

where Io exhibits resonance behaviour . The amplitude Io is given by

ε0
I0 = 1
----------------------(4)
2 2
1
R2 + ω L−
LC

1
ω L−
ωC
Tanα = -------------------------------(5)
R

Gives the phase of the current relative to the applied emf. We can write Io = o/ Z
where ,
1
2 2
1
Z= R2 + ω L− ------------------------(6)
ωC

is the impedance of the circuit .The reactance X of the circuit is
1
X =ω L − , ---------------------------(7)
ωL

so that the impedance Z is given by
Z= ( R2 + X2 ) 1/2
Clearly the impedance will be minimum (and Io will be maximum) at resonance
condition when the reactance vanishes, i.e.. at the angular frequency (known as
resonance frequency )

1
ω0 = -------------------------------(8)
LC

which is the natural frequency of electromagnetic oscillations in LCR circuit without
an external source of emf .

I.2 Resistance, Capacitance and Inductance in AC circuits:

Consider a resistor with a voltage drop
VR = VRO cos ( t) across it (fig 2a). By
Ohm’ s law the current through resistor is

VR VR 0
IR = = cos ω t --------------(9)
R R

The current and the voltage across a resistor
are in phase.

In the case of a capacitor (fig 2b) the current
IC = dQ/dt where q is the charge on the
capacitor .If the potential drop across the capacitor is VC = VCO cos t, the charge q

73

= CVC = CVCO cos t fig2

π
I C = − ω C VCO sin ω t = ω C VC O cos ω t + -------------10)
2

Thus the current through the capacitor is ahead of voltage by phase angle /2.
Consider now an inductor (fig 2c) with current IL (t) =ILO cos t . Assume that the
current flows and increases in the direction shown. The back emf induced in the
inductor opposes the
current and the potential drop across the inductor is

VL = L (dI / dt ) = — L ILO sin t = L ILO cos ( t + /2 )----------(11)

The voltage across the inductor is ahead of the current in phase by an angle /2

I.3 Complex Impedance:

It is convenient to use complex phasors to represent the current and voltage in an AC
circuit. For example, the phasor V = Vo e i ω t = Vo (cos ωt + j sin ωt ) represents a
sinusoidal varying voltage Vo cos t which is its real part .For any component A we
define its complex impedance by VA = Z A I A . We write
Z = R + jX ,
Where the real part of Z is the resistive impedance (R) , while the imaginary part of
Z is the reactive impedance (X).

The complex impedances of the resistor, capacitor and the inductor can be obtained
by generalizing eqs (9) ,(10) & (11) to phasor equations :
1
I R = VR ZR = R ----------------------------------------(12)
R
j t+ 1
I C = CVCO e 2
= j CVC ZC ZC = --------------------(13)
j C

j t+
VL = L I L e 2
= + j L IL ZL = j L ---------------------------------(14)
Thus the impedance of a resistor is its resistance itself, while the impedance of a
capacitor and inductance are reactive with XC = 1/ ( C ) and XL = L .

It can be shown from Kirchoff’ s rules that complex impedances in series or parallel
combine just like resistors in series or parallel. Thus, for the series LCR circuit fig 1,
the net impedance of the circuit is
1
Z = Z R + ZC + ZL = R + j L − --------------------------------------(15)
C
The current flowing in the circuit is then
j t
o e
I= = = I o e j ( t − ) --------------------------------(16)
Z 1
R + j L−
C
From eq (16) it can be easily seen that

74

IO = O
( = Re I )
2
1
R2 + L−
C
1
L−
C
and = Tan −1
R

which clearly reproduces eqs (4) & (5) . The physical current in the circuit is, of
course,
the real part of the phasor I in eq (16).

I.4. Parallel LCR circuit :

Fig 3

Consider now the parallel LCR circuit shown in fig 3. The current through the
resistor can be found by calculating the equivalent impedance of the circuit.
L
1 Z Z C
Z = ZR + = R+ L C = R−j --------------------(17)
1 1 ZC + ZL 1
+ L−
ZC ZL C

Thus
ej t

= I O e j( )
O t+
I= = ---------------------------------(18)
Z
L/C
R−j
1
L−
C
The magnitude of current IO is given by
IO = O
---------------------------------(19)
2

L/C
R2 +
1
L−
C
Viewed as a function of , it is clear that IO is now a minimum (the impedance in
the denominator is maximum ) when L = 1 / ( L) , or ,where

75

1
= = O -----------------------------------------------(20)
LC
and is known as “ resonance frequency” even though it corresponds to an amplitude
minimum .
1
(Note: The amplitude of current in eq (19) strictly falls at = since the
LC
denominator tends to infinity. This is because we have considered idealized (i.e
resistance less) capacitor and inductor. A finite value of current amplitude at
resonance will be obtained if resistive impedance is included for these components)

I.5. Power Resonance:

The power dissipated at the resistor is P = I V = I2 R = V2 / R. From eq (3) for the
series resonance circuit, the power dissipated at the resistor is
P = I 2 R cos 2 ( t − ) ------------------------------------(21)
O
where IO is given by eq (4) . The average power dissipated over one cycle is
2
I2 R O R
P= O = ------------------------------(22)
2 1
2

2 R2 + L−
C

Fig 4 shows graph of P as a
function of the driving frequency .
The maximum power value Pm
occurs at the resonating frequency
1
O = . It can be shown that to
LC
a good approximation, which the
power falls to half of the maximum
value, Pm / 2 at =± .O
2
Here is related to damping in the electrical
circuit and is given by = R / L . Fig .4
The width or range of over which the value of P falls to half the maximum at the
resonance is called the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM). The FHWM is a
characteristic of the power resonance curve and is related to the amount of damping
R
in the system. Clearly FWHM = = . One also define the quality factor Q as
L
1 L
Q= O = which is also a measure damping. Large Q(small R) implies
R C
small damping while small Q(large R) implies large damping . Clearly we have
R
FWHM = = -------------------------------(23)
L
Thus, the quality factor Q can be determined from the FWHM of the power
resonance graph.

76

II. Set-up and Procedure:

1. The series and parallel LCR circuits are to be connected as shown in fig 1 & fig
3.

2. Set the inductance of the variable inductance value and the capacitances the
variable capacitor to low values ( L ~ 0.01H , C ~ 0.1 F ) so that the resonant
frequency
1
O = is of order of a few kHz .
2 LC
3. Choose the scale of the AC mill voltmeter so that the expected resonance occurs
at approximately the middle of the scale.

4. Vary the frequency of the oscillator and record the voltage across the resistor.

5. Repeat (for both series and parallel LCR circuits) fir three values of the resistor
(say R = 100 ,200 & 300 ).


1. Write down the Newton’ s law for a forced damped harmonic oscillator and map
the electrical quantities appearing in eq (2) with corresponding mechanical
quantities.

2. Verify that the solution, eq (3) satisfies the differential equation (2).

3. Distinguish between resistive impedance and reactive impedance. What is the
effect of reactive impedance on the current and voltage in an AC circuit? In a
DC circuit?

4. For the circuit shown with emf (t) = o cos t , determine the current
I(t) = IO cos ( t – ) . (i.e. determine the amplitude IO and phase ).

5. Calculate the (resistive or reactive) impedance of the components L, C and R at
resonance for series and parallel circuits , for your experiment .

6. Why does the series circuit give a power maximum at resonance while the
parallel circuit lead to a power minimum ?

7. The AC mill voltmeter gives the ‘rms’ value of the voltage across the resistor,
i.e. Vrms .
If V = VO cos t , what is Vrms ? Show that the average power P = Vrms / R .
2

77

8. Show that eq (22) can be written as
2
RL 1
P= O
2C 2

Q2 + − O

O

9. Qualitatively plot the power resonance curve for increasing values of Q .Show
that the
FWHM of the power resonance curve is approximately given by = O
.
Q
10 Argue why the power maximum(minimum) for the series (parallel)LCR circuit
increases.

Reference:
1. “ Physics” , M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1992
2 “ Linear Circuits” , M.E.Van Valkenburg and B.K Kinariwala , Printice Hall,
Englewood Cliffs ,NJ ,1982.

78

Experiment 12

Resonance in LCR circuits
Part A: Series LCR Circuit.

L = _______________________ mH

C = _______________________ F.

Table 1
Frequency
S.No (kHz) R1 = ___________ R2 = ____________ R3 = _______________

V P = V2 / R V P = V2 / R V P = V2 / R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Part B: Parallel LCR Circuit
L = _________________ mH
C = _________________ F.
Table 2
Frequency
S.No
(kHz) R1 = ___________ R2 = ____________ R3 = _______________

79

V P = V2 / R V P = V2 / R V P = V2 / R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Calculations and Results:

1. Plot the graph of frequency ( ) vs P (average power ) for series and
parallel cases.

1
2. Read off the resonant frequency O = by locating the maxima /
2 LC
minima in the graphs
i). Resonance frequency for series LCR circuit
=________________kHz

ii) Resonance frequency for parallel LCR circuit
=________________kHz

iii). Calculate the value of resonance frequency
=________________kHz

Results :

Estimated value of Q for series resonance from graph : (1) (2) (3)

1 L
Calculated value of Q = = (1) (2) (3)
R C
% errors in Q (1) (2) (3)


80

Experiment 13

Hysterisis loop for a ferromagnetic material (M–B curve)

Apparatus:

Two solenoid coils, S and C, ferromagnetic specimen rod, reversible key (R), ammeter,
magnetometer, battery, solenoid, rheostat and transformer for demagnetizing set up.


i) To study the magnetization (M) of a ferromagnetic material in the presence of a
magnetic field B and to plot the hysterisis (M vs. B) curve .

ii) To calculate the retentivity and coercivity of the material.

Basic Methodology:

A ferromagnetic rod is magnetized by placing it in the magnetic field of a solenoid. The
magnetized rod causes a deflection ( ) in a magnetometer .The deflection is recorded as
the current in the solenoid (I) is varied over a range of positive and negative values .

I. Introduction:

I.1 The magnetic field of a solenoid at a point on its axis is
B= O n I ----------------------------(1)
-7 2 2
where O = 4 x 10 Nm / A is the magnetic permeability of vacuum , n is the
number of turns per unit length in the solenoid and I is the current in the solenoid .

I.2. The specimen rod is placed along the axis of the solenoid acquires a magnetization
M along its axis. (Magnetization is defined as the magnetic dipole moment per unit
volume). The magnetic dipole moment ‘m’ of the rod is
m = M (l ) --------------------------(2)
where l = length of the rod and = cross-sectional area of the rod .

I.3. The magnetic field produced by the
rod at the position of the
magnetometer (r) is
2mr
Bm = O ------------(3)
4 l2
r −
2

4
I.4. The apparatus is aligned so that the fig 1
horizontal component of the earth’ s magnetic field BE , which is along South – North
direction , is perpendicular to the axis of the rod (which is along the East –West
direction ). The magnetometer needle aligns along the resultant magnetic field
making an angle with BE as in fig 2.

81

Clearly,
BM
Tan = B M = B E Tan -------
BE
(4)

I.5 Using eqs 2, 3 & 4 we can write

M=
4 (r 2
− l2 / 4 )
2

B E Tan -------
O (2 l ) r
(5)
Hence M ∝ Tan . Also from eq 1, B∝ I .
Therefore a plot of Tan vs. I reproduces the fig .2
features of M vs. B curve .

I.6 Hysterisis:

A ferromagnetic material whose atoms behave like
magnetic dipoles produced by the spins of unpaired
electrons. Domains form in the interior of the
material with in which the dipoles align in a given
direction but the domains themselves randomly
oriented. (Fig 3)

In the presence of an external magnetic field the
different domain moments tend to align producing a
net magnetization in the direction of the
magnetic field.

The variation of the magnetization M as the magnetic
field B is varied gives rise to a characteristic curve
called the hysterisis loop. Figure 4 shows a typical
curve obtained. (The axes are taken to be Tan & I as
is to be done in the experiment). As the magnetic
field is increased the magnetization of the sample increases as more and more
domains align along the direction of the magnetic field. With further increase in B,
the magnetization M saturates to a maximum value (point b). If the current I (field B)
is decreased the magnetization M decreases.

Fig 4

When the current is made zero (point c ) the magnetization M however does not fall
82

to zero. At this point the material has a residual magnetization and behaves like a
permanent magnet. To make the magnetization zero (point d) requires a non-zero
current in the reverse direction. As I is increased in the reverse direction, M saturates
to a maximum negative value (point e). Further increase in the current brings
the magnetization to zero (point g) and eventually to saturation (point b).

I.7 Retentivity & Coercivity:

Retentivity (MO) is the residual magnetization in the sample when the external
magnetic field is zero .
This is calculated as

MO =
4 (r 2
)2
−l2 / 4
BE Tan ------------------------(6)
O
O 2l r
cf
Where, Tan O = (c & f are the points in the graph, fig 4) ---------------(7)
2
Coercivity BO is the external magnetic field required to reduce the residual
magnetization in the sample to zero.
dg
IO = ; BO = O n IO -------------------------------(8)
2
(d & g are the points in the graph , fig 4 )

II Set-up and procedure:

1. Complete the wiring of the apparatus according to the circuit diagram, fig 5

2. Alignment of apparatus:
Rotate the dial of the magnetometer until 00 – 00 position is aligned with the axis
of the solenoid. Rotate the wooden arm, containing the solenoid, magnetometer
and compensating coil, until the magnetic pointer coincides with the 00 – 00
position. In this position the wooden arm is along the E – W position .The
horizontal component of earth’ s magnetic field BE (along S-N direction) is then
perpendicular to the wooden arm.

83

3. Demagnetization of specimen:

Complete the wiring of the
demagnetizing apparatus according
to circuit Fig 6. Insert specimen
rod in the solenoid and vary the
AC current in the solenoid using
rheostat. This procedure should
take 2-5 minutes.

4 Positioning of the Compensating
Coil:
Pass current (say 1A) through the
coils S & C. Vary the position of C
along the wooden arm until the deflection of the needle is zero. Fig 6

The magnetic field of solenoid S is then nullified (at the position of
magnetometer)
by the magnetic field of C .

5. Begin Measurement:

i). To begin with, the current in the solenoid should be switched off.

ii). Insert specimen rod so that it’ s leading tip is at the edge of the solenoid.
(Note: There should be no deflection of the needle at this point .If deflection
is observed, repeat step 3 for demagnetizing rod).

iii). Keep the reversing key R in a position so that current flows in a given
direction.
The rheostat position should correspond to maximum resistance.

iv). Switch on the current.
(Caution: From now on the current variation sequence has to be followed
strictly Any change or back tracking of measurement will lead to incorrect
results).
v). Vary the current using the rheostat from 0A – 1.5A and back 1.5A – 0A
insteps of 0.1A and note the deflections 1 & 2 for each setting of current.
(Caution: To get strictly zero current you will have to switch off the battery)

vi). Reverse the position of the reversible key R and vary the current in the
reverse direction 0A – 1.5A ,and back 1.5A – 0A .Note the deflections 1 &
2

vii). Reverse the position of the key R and vary the current from 0 – 1.5A. Again
note the deflections 1 & 2

84

III. Exercises and Via Questions:

1. Define paramagnetic, diamagnetic & ferromagnetic substances. Give one
example of each.

2. Why the M vs. B curve called the hysterisis curve?

3. Derive eq (6).

4. What is the need to align the solenoid along the E – W direction?

5. Will the hysterisis curve be different if this alignment were not done? If yes
why?
6. How does the demagnetization setup demagnetize the rod?

7. It is said that dropping the specimen rod on a hard surface also serves to remove
any small residual magnetization . Is it true ? If so give reason.

8. Draw a small figure showing how the hysterisis curve would develop over many
cycles of the current.

9. How would the retentivity & coercivity change with temperature? Do you think
that they should depend on the geometry of the sample?

10. Identify the main sources of error in your experiment.

References:

1. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D.Halliday, R.Resnick and J.Walker, 6th edition,
John-Wiley & sons, New York 2001.

2. “ Physics” , M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1992.

3. “ Introduction to Electrodynamics” , D.J.Griffiths ,PHI, 1998.


1. Distance, r = __________________________ m

2. Length of specimen, l = __________________ m

3. No. of turns per unit length of solenoid , n = 1600 turns/m .

4. Area of cross-section of rod , S = 1.84 x 10-5 m2 .

5. Horizontal component of earth’ s magnetic field ,BE = 3.53 x 10-5 T .

85

Table : Current through S & deflection
Current Deflection (forward current) Deflection (reverse current) Deflection (forward current)
I (A) Degree. Degree
1 2 avg Tan 1 2 avg Tan 1 2 avg Tan
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.4
1.3.
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0

86

Calculations:

1. Attach graph of Tanθ vs. I.

2. cf = _____________________

dg = ____________________

3. Calculation of retentivity MO :

Calculation of coercivity BO :

Results:

Retentivity MO = _______________

Coercivity BO = ________________


87

Experiment 14

Electromagnetic Induction

Apparatus:

Metallic semi–circular arc (radius 40 cm), supporting frame, movable weights, bar
magnets measurement board consisting of voltmeter, milli – ammeter, resistance
condenser and diode.


To verify Faraday’ s laws of electromagnetic induction.

Basic Methodology:

A bar magnet is made to pass through a coil .The resulting emf produced by Faraday’ s
effect charges a capacitor .The voltage of the capacitor is a measure of the induced emf .

I. Introduction

I.1 Faraday’ s law states that a charge in magnetic flux ( ) through a closed conducting
circuit induces an electro motive force (emf) in the circuit .
dΦ
= − --------------------------------(1)
dt
The emf is proportional to the rate of change of the flux through the coil. The
minus sign is related to the fact that the induced emf opposes the change in the flux
linking the circuit .In MKS system has units of Volts (V), while units of Weber
(W) .In this experiment we will measure certain effects leading from Faraday’ s law
and will hence indirectly verify the law.

The setup (fig1) basically consists of a bar magnet attached to a metallic arc. The
frame the arc is suspended at the
center so that the whole frame can freely
oscillate in its plane. Movable weights
are provided on the diagonal arm whose
position is can be altered, leading to a
variation of the period of oscillation from
about 1.5 sec to 3 sec. As it oscillates the
magnet passes through two copper coils.
(Connected in series) of about 10,000
turns.

fig 1

As the magnet passes through the coils the flux through the coils changes with
time as shown in fig 2. The induced emf is generated in the coils in the form of two
pulses with opposite sign for each swing .The pulse width is the time over which
the flux through the coil changes during a swing. The maximum value of o of emf
corresponding to the maximum value of

88

dΦ
. This is related to the maximum velocity vrms of the magnet.
dt

I.2. Calculation of vrms :

The maximum velocity of the magnet is clearly
obtained at the equilibrium point i.e. at the
bottom of the swing .The velocity vrms can be
easily calculated. If M is the mass of the frame
and magnet, l is the distance of the center of
mass from the point of suspension of frame and
magnet , and O is the initial release angle , then
by conservation of energy, we have
1
2 I 2
max = Mg l ( 1 − cos O ) = 2 M g l sin 2 O

2
--------------------(1)
Thus
M gl
max = 2 sin O ----------------(2)
I 2
M gl
Thus the quantity is actually the natural fig 2
I
frequency of small oscillations .Thus if T is the time period of small oscillations ,
then
I
T =2 --------------------------------------------------(3)
M gl
Using eq (3) and vmax = R max (R is the radius of the arc) we get
4 R
v max = sin O ------------------------------------(4)
T 2

I.4. We now give a rough argument that the maximum value of the emf max = o is
proportional to vmax .

As the magnet moves, the flux through the coil changes. Clearly = ( ) ,where
is the angular position of the magnet . Hence
dΦ dΦ d dΦ
= − = − = − -----------------(5)
dt d dt d
Thus, is also a function of , i.e.
dΦ ( )
( ) = − ( ) --------------------------------------(6)
d
dΦ
At the equilibrium point = max but = 0 hence eq = 0 . The maximum of the
d
emf
max occurs at and angle max slightly before the equilibrium point
dΦ
max = O = − ( max ) ----------------------------------------(7)
d max
v
Since the point max is close to the equilibrium = 0, ( max) ≈ max = max . Hence
R

89

1 dΦ
max = O ≈ − v max -------------------------------------(8)
R d max

Thus o ∝ = v max approximately and the constant of proportionality depends only
on the geometry of the apparatus and is independent of the angle O .Hence a graph
of o vs. vmax is expected to approximate a straight line.

I.4 In this experiment we will measure o by charging a capacitor by the induced emf .

The capacitor is connected in series with the coil along with a diode and a resistance
R. The resistance Rint is the internal resistance of the coil and forward resistance of
diode and is about 500 Ω .The diode allows current to flow only in one direction and
hence the capacitor charges only during one swing of the complete oscillation .If the
time constant RC is small compared to the pulse width τ then the capacitor gets fully
charged to the maximum voltage o in the swing. However if RC > τ then the
capacitor gets fully charged only after several swings .

fig 3
The voltage across the capacitor after n swings can be measured by closing the
switch S and discharging the capacitor through a voltmeter.

The total charge delivered to the capacitor during each swing is
final
ε dt f
1 dΦ
q= =− dt
initial
R i
R dt

=
1
(Φ1 − Φ 2 ) = ∆ Φ -------------------------------------- (9)
R R

I.5. Electromagnetic damping in an oscillating system

Successive Oscillations of the metal arc do not have the same amplitude . This is due
to damping
whose primary sources are i) air friction ii) friction at the point of suspension iii)
electromagnetic damping due to Lenz’ s law .

The damping oscillation of the system can be modeled by the differential equation
(assuming small damping )
d2 θ ωO d θ
2
+ + ω 2 θ = 0 ---------------------------------------(10)
dt Q dt

90

M gl
where ωO =
2
. The third term arises from the restoring force while the second
I
dθ
term proportional to represents damping . The strength of the damping is
dt
characterized by the parameter Q , called the quality factor of the system .Small Q
implies large damping, while large values of Q (Q>1) represents small damping .
The solution θ(t) to eq (10) can be shown to be oscillatory but with an amplitude
which decreases with time as
ωt
−
θ A ( t ) = θ AO e 2Q
------------------------------------- (11)
2π
Thus after n oscillations i.e . t = n T = n the amplitude decreases from the initial
ωO
amplitude θAO by
πn
−
θAn = θAO e Q
-------------------------------------- (12)
π
Thus ln θ A n = ln θ AOn − --------------------------------------------- (13)
Q
A plot of ln θAn vs n is expected to be a straight line . The quality factor can be read
off from the slope .


Part A: Measurement of time period T for small oscillations

1 Make sure that the equilibrium position of the metal arc + magnet is at = 00 . If
not adjust the position of the weights to ensure this.

2. Check that the oscillation of the arc through the coils are free and that the arcs
does not touch the sides of the coils when oscillating .

3. Displace the metal arc by a small angle (50 - 100) and measure the time taken for
a few (say5) oscillations .The time period T can be obtained .

Repeat step 3 for different angles.

Part B: Measurement of o .

1. Connect the circuit as in fig 3. Take C = 100 F and R to be small (~ 100 ).
Connect the two coils in series.

2. Keep the switch in the off position.

3. Choose an initial displacement o (say 400) and release the magnet. As the
induced current flows in the circuit the millimeter registers kicks. The kicks stop
after a few oscillations when the capacitor has become fully discharged.

4. Flip the switch to the ON position and measure o as the maximum voltage
recorded by the voltmeter.

5. Repeat for different values of o = 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100.

91

6. Calculate vmax for each case and plot o vs. vmax .

Part C: Charge delivered to the capacitor.

1. Choose a large value of R(say 1k ) in the circuit of fig 3. The time constant RC
is thus greater than ( is the approximately estimated by dividing the magnet
length by vmax).

2. With a given release angle o , measure the voltage V across the capacitor after
n complete oscillations , n = 1, 2, 3, … … … 6.
(Caution: Each time, i.e. after n oscillations, prevent further oscillations by
stopping the frame by hand and measure V.Also make sure that the capacitor is
completely discharged each time before making a new measurement ) .

3. Repeat for three different values of R.

4. Calculate q = CV for the charge depositing in the capacitor and plot qn vs. n.

Part D: Electromagnetic damping

1. Let the coils be open. There will be no electromagnetic damping during the
oscillations. Give a small (~ 200) displacement to the metal arc and measure the
amplitude An after n swings (n = 1, 2, 3… ..)

Plot ln An vs n and calculate the quality Q0 (without EM damping) .Repeat for
another initial displacement.

2. Now connect the coils in series (B to C) and short the ends A & D. Measure for
amplitudes An ( n =1,2,3… … ) for the same two values of initial displacement as
in step 1. Plot ln An vs. n ( it will be useful to plot all the four graphs on the
same graph sheet) and obtain the value of quality Q with electromagnetic
damping .
Note: Since damping is small you may have to take measurement for a large (~
10) number of swings.


1. What is the advantage in having a large number of turns in the coil? What is the
effect of connecting the two coils in series or in parallel?

2. Show that the angular frequency for small oscillations of the metal frame is given
M gl
by
I
3. What is the effect of moving the weights closer to the point of suspension?
Would the emf be the same for the same release angle?

4. Find a way of estimating the angle/ position at which the maximum emf occurs

5. Estimate the pulse width for a given 0 (from your observation). Would the emf
be the same for the same release?

92

6. The charge deposited per swing (eq 9) appears to be constant (depending only on
total change flux and not on the velocity or o). Does your observation of q
depend on o? If so why?

7. What is the function of the diodes in this experiment? What would happen if the
diode were absent in the circuit?

8. Give reasons why the graph ln 0 vs n (Part D) could deviate from a straight
line?

ω0 t
− 1
9. Verify by substitution that θ( t ) = θ 0 e 2Q
cos (ωt + α ) ( ω = ω0 1 − ) is
4Q2
a solution of the differential eq(10).

10. Give some practical applications of Faraday’ s law.

References:

1. “ Physics” ,M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1992

2. “ Introduction to Electrodynamics” , D.J.Griffiths ,PHI, 1998.

93


Radius of Arc = 40 cm

Part A (Time period T)
S.No No. of Oscillations Time (sec) T(sec) Mean T(sec)

1

2

3

Part B : Measurement of 0

C= ________________________ F

0 (degrees) vmax (cm/sec) (calculated) 0

40
35
30
25
20
15
10

Plot the graph of 0 vs vmax

Part C : Charge delivered to the capacitor

C = ____________________________ F

0 = ___________________________

Table I

No.of R1 = R2 = R3 =
swings
q = CV q = CV q = CV
N
V -C V -C V -C
1
2
3
4
5

94

6
7
8
9
10

Plot the graph of q vs n .

Part D : Electromagnetic Damping
Table II
No . of swings 1 = ___________ Amplitude An 2 = ___________
Without With EM Without EM With EM
EM damping damping damping damping
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Plot the graph of ln An vs n

Discuss briefly how this experiment has verified Faraday’ s law .

(Three graph papers required).

95

Experiment 15

Electrical Resistivity of Semiconductors

Apparatus

Four probe assembly with oven, semiconducting sample, current source, voltmeter etc.

Objective:
To study the temperature variation of electrical resistivity of a semiconducting materials
using four-probe technique and determine the bandgap of the semiconductor.

Theory
The Ohm' law in terms of the electric field and current density is given by the relation,
s
→ →
E=ρJ (1)
where ρ is electrical resistivity of the material. For a long thin wire-like geometry of
uniform cross-section or for a long parellelopiped shaped sample of uniform cross-section,
the resistivity ρ can be measured by measuring the voltage drop across the sample due to
passage of known ( constant) current through the sample as shown in Fig. 1a . This simple
method has following drawbacks:

• The major problem in such method is error due to contact resistance of measuring
leads.

• The above method cannot be used for materials having random shapes.

• For some type of materials soldering the test leads would be difficult.
• In case of semiconductors, the heating of samples due to soldering results in injection
of impurities into the materials thereby affecting the intrinsic electrical resistivity.
Moreover, certain metallic contacts form schottky barrier on semiconductors.
To overcome first two problems, a collinear equidistant four-probe method is used.
This method provides the measurement of the resistivity of the specimen having wide
variety of shapes but with uniform cross-section. The soldering contacts are replaced by
pressure contacts to eliminate the last problem discussed above.

l/a

+I +V -V -I
I I
1 2 3 4

(a) r r’
(b)

96

Fig 1

In this method, four pointed, collinear equispaced probes are placed on the plane
surface of the specimen (Fig.1b). A small pressure is applied using springs to make the
electrical contacts. The diameter of the contact (which is assumed to be hemispherical)
between each probe and the specimen surface is small compared to the spacing between
the probes. Assume that the thickness of the sample d is small compared to the spacing
between the probes s (i.e., d << s). Then the current streamlines inside the sample due to
→ ∂V ∧
a probe carrying current I will have radial symmetry, so that E = − r and from
∂r
eqn.(1),
∂V ∧ →
r = −ρ J (2)
∂r
If the outer two probes (l and 4) are current carrying probes, and the inner two probes (2
& 3) are used to monitor the potential difference between the inner two points of contact,
then total current density at the probe point ‘2’ which is at a distance r from probe ‘1’ and
r’ from probe ‘4’ can be written as,
(3)
∧ ^
→
I r r′
J= −
2πd r r ′

From eqns. (2) and (3) potential difference between probes (2) and (3) can be written as,
Iρ
2s
1 1 I
V= + dr = ρ ln 2
2πd r 3s − r πd
s (4)
Vπd
∴ ρ=
I ln 2
Now temperature variation of resistivity is given by: ρ = ρ 0 exp( E g / kT ) , where Eg is the
bandgap of the semiconductor. A plot of ln(ρ) vs. 1/T would be a straight line with a slope
of E g / k . Hence bandgap Eg can be determined from the slope of the straight line. For
convenience, usually ln(ρ) is plotted as a function of 1000/T (instead of 1/T) and Eg is
calculated by taking into account the 1000 factor..

Experimental Set-up:
The four-probe assembly consists of four spring loaded probes arranged in a line
with equal spacing between adjacent probes. These probes rest on a metal plate on which
thin slices of samples (whose resistivity is to be determined) can be mounted by insulating
their bottom surface using a mica sheet. Black leads are provided for carrying current and
red leads for voltages measurements. The sample, usually, is brittle, hence do not attempt
to mount the sample yourself. This assembly is mounted in a lid of an oven, so that the
four probes and the sample can be kept inside the oven and sample can be heated up to a
temperature of 200° C. The temperature inside the oven can be measured by inserting a
thermometer through a hole in the lid.
The constant current is supplied through probes 1 and 4 by a constant current
source. The value of the current can be read from the LED display on the unit. The digital
voltmeter is used to measure the voltage drop between probes 2 and 3. It uses the same
LED display through a toggle switch. It operates in two modes xl and x10 with maximum
of 199.9 mV and 1.999 V, respectively. Oven can be heated to low (L) or high (H)
temperatures through the electric supply for it. There is an indicator LED which glows

97

when the oven is turned on

Milli-Ammeter
Constant Milli-Voltmeter
Current source V
I

1 2 3 4 Probes

S S S
Fig. 2
Procedure:

1. Make the connections as shown in Figure 2.
2. Set some suitable low value of current (2 to 4 mA) from the constant current
source. Note down this reading.
3. Switch the LED display to milli-voltmeter mode. Note the temperature and voltage
between probes 2 and 3 (V1).
4. Switch on the oven supply. Record the voltage between the inner probes as a
function of temperature using the method described in the previous step.
5. Determine the experimental resistivity as a function of temperature using equation
(4) and the measured voltage and current.
6. Express your resistivity data in Ohm-cm unit and temperature in Kelvin(K). Plot
ln(ρ) vs. 1000/T(K) and see that it is a straight line. From the slope of the line
(choose only the linear portion of the curve), calculate Eg (bandgap of the
Eg
semiconductor) using the relation: ρ = ρ 0 exp( ) , where k = 8.617 x10 −5 eV/K.
2kT
7. Estimate error in measured resistivity

Observation Table:

Set Current I=

Sl Temperature 1000/T(K-1) Voltage Rsistivity ln(ρ)
no. in C (V) ρ

Useful data:
Distance between probes, s=2 mm, Thickness of the sample, d=0.5mm

Calculation:
Plot ln(ρ) vs. 1000/T and use the straight line portion of the graph to calculate the slope of
98

the straight line. Slope = Eg/2k*1000 which yields Eg in eV for the semiconductor
material under study.
(One graph paper required)
.
Reference:

D. K. Schroder, “ Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization” , John Willey &
Sons Inc. 1990, Chap 1.

Appendix:
Electrical conductivity of materials
The electrical resistance of matter changes with temperature. The number of quasi-free electrons
increases with rising temperature which causes the current to increase and the resistance to
decrease. On the other hand, the ions of the crystal lattice oscillate more strongly with increasing
temperature, thus hindering the electron movement, so that the current decreases and the
resistance increases.
In conductors (e.g. metals such as Cu, Ag, Al) the second effect dominates, since at room
temperature nearly all conduction electrons are quasi-free and contribute to the electron gas. A
rise in temperature does not considerably influence their number, so the resistance of metals
increases with temperature. Generally this is only a small effect, which can be the other way round
in some special alloys!
In semiconductors and isolators the first effect dominates, as a rise in temperature can increase
the number of quasi-free electrons considerably: Due to the stronger atomic binding only few
quasi-free electrons exist at room temperature. Rising temperature thus leads to a decrease of the
electrical resistance. Electrical conductors show an approximately linear dependence between
temperature and resistance. Let R0 and Rt be the resistances at temperatures t0 and t1
respectively. Then R t = R 0 (1 + β(t1 − t 0 )) (1)

The temperature coefficient β characterizes the relative change in resistance per 1 ° or K.
C
Semiconductors show an approximately exponential temperature dependence:
b
R( T ) = a ⋅ e T , where a and b are empirical constants. (2)
Table 1: Data of typical materials used for resistors.

Material Resistivity ρ at 20° /Ωm
C Ω Temperature coefficient α at
20° / K-1
C

Silver 1.6 . 10-8 3.8 . 10-3

Copper 1.7 . 10-8 3.9 . 10-3

Aluminum 2.8 . 10-8 3.9 . 10-3

Iron 10 . 10-8 5.0 . 10-3

Mercury 96 . 10-8 0.9 . 10-3

Nichrome 100 . 10-8 0.4 . 10-3

Carbon 3500 . 10-8 - 0.5 . 10-3

Silicon 640 - 7.5 . 10-2

99

Experiment 16

Planck’s constant

Apparatus:

Photoelectric cell, DC source, DC millimeter, Variac (AC) (0-260V), AC ammeter,
Tungsten filament lamp (60 W), Monochromatic filters.


To measure the value of Planck’ s constant ‘h’ .

Basic methodology:

Light from a tungsten filament lamp (assumed to be a black body source) is passed
through a
Monochromatic filter and made to fall on a photoelectric cell. The slope of the graph ln Iph
1
vs. , leads to a determination of Planck’ s constant.
T

I Introduction:

I.1 The electromagnetic radiation emitted by a black body ( a perfect absorber and
emitter of electromagnetic radiation ) is spread continuously over the entire
electromagnetic spectrum. It was Planck who first gave the law for black body
radiation based on the idea that electromagnetic radiation is composed of quanta
called photon of energy
= h , where is the frequency of radiation and h is Planck’ s constant.

I.2 Planck’ s law for radiation from a black
body gives the energy of the radiation in
the frequency range to + d . This is
denoted as U( ) d and is given by
8 π h ν3 1
U ( ν ) dν = 3 hν
dν --------(1)
c
e k T −1

In eq. (1), c = 3 X 108 m/s is the speed of
light, K = 1.38 X 10-23 J/K is the Boltzman
Constant. Fig. 1 shows a graph of U ( ) vs. for given temperature T.

hν
In the high frequency region, where >>1, eq. (1) can be approximated as
kT
hν
8πhν 3 − kT
U (ν) = e -----------------------------(2)
c3
Showing an exponential decrease in the energy density with frequency.

100

I.3 In this experiment, a tungsten filament lamp is taken to be a black body radiator.
Using a monochromatic filter, radiation with frequency in the visible region is
selected. For the range of temperatures of the tungsten filament, the energy density
can be taken to be given by eq. (2). The energy density at the chosen frequency is
indirectly measured by measuring the photocurrent Iph generated upon exposing a
photocell to the radiation. From the properties of the photoelectric effect, it is known
that the photocurrent is proportional to the intensity of the radiation. Thus
hν
8πhν 3 − kT
I ph ∝ U (ν ) ≈ e ------------------------------------ (3)
c3

hν 8πhν 3 hν
or ln I ph = −
+ ln 3 = − + cons tan t ------------------(4)
kT c kT
Hence the graph of ln Iph Vs 1/T will be a straight line of slope of magnitude
h /K.

I.4 The temperature of the tungsten filament can be varied by changing the current
through it. The temperature of the filament can be estimated by measuring the
resistance R of the filament. The variation of R with temperature for tungsten is
given by the empirical formula (T is expressed in oC )
R = Ro ( 1 +αT +βT2 ) ----------------------------(5)

Where
R34oC = Resistance at 34oC = 57Ω and 64Ω for set 1 and set 2
= 5.24 X 10-3 (oC)-1
β = 0.7. X 10-6 (oC)- 2

A calibration graph can be obtained by drawing the graph of eq. (5).Then, knowing
the resistance R = V/I of the filament the temperature T (oC) can be obtained from
the calibration graph.

II. Set-up and Procedure

1. Complete the circuit with Tungsten lamp and photocell as shown in Fig. (2)

2. Choose and set the colour of the monochromatic filter (say red).

3. Using the variac, vary the AC voltage to the tungsten filament from 80V to
220V
In steps of 20V.

4. Measure the AC current to the tungsten and the DC photocurrent Iph.

5. Repeat the measurements for three filters in all (say red, blue and green).

6. Prepare the calibration graph of R (resistance of filament) by using eq. (5) to
calculate R for value of T (oC) = 400, 600, 800, 1000 … 2000.
Plot and find the calculated value of R vs. T by a best fit straight line.

101

7. Calculate the resistance R = V/I from your measurement and use the
calibration graph to read off temperature of the filament, against the value of
the resistance

Fig. 2

III. Exercise and Viva Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the quantity U( ) in the Planck’ s black body radiation
law?

2. Give the approximate form of the energy density for (h /KT) <<1 and
(h /KT) >>1.

3. What is the purpose of using a photocell in this experiment?

4. Use the energy density expression to argue how the photocurrent should
change upon varying the frequency, keeping the variac voltage same. How
will Iph change if the frequency is kept constant but the variac voltage is
varied? Verify your expectations from your observations.

5. Argue how Iph would change as the variac voltage is changed if the tungsten
lamp were allowed to illuminate the photocell without using a filter in-
between. What frequency would contribute most to the photocurrent?

6. Study the photoelectric effect and list the characteristics of the photoelectric
effect which can only be explained by the quantum nature of light.

7. Is our assumption that Iph U( ) always right ? Is it true that radiation of any
frequency will give rise to a photocurrent?

102

8. Look up the value of work function of tungsten and calculate the cut off
frequency o for tungsten.

9. We have taken the tungsten filament to be a black body radiator. What
qualitative change would we expect if it were taken to be an imperfect black
body?

10. What is the significance of the Planck’ s constant in physics?

References:

1. “ Physics” , M. Alonso and J. Finn, Addison Wesley 1992.

2. “ Modern Physics “ , A. Beiser, McGraw Hill Inc., 1995.

103

Experiment 16

Planck’s constant


1. Calibration of R Vs T : Ro (calculated) = _____________________Ω

Table 1.

T (oC) R(Ω)

Plot a graph of R Vs T and fit a straight line.

104

2. Verification of photocurrent (Iph) with variac voltage (V)
Table 2.

Photocurrent

Variac Iph (mA) ln Iph
Voltage
(V) Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter 3 Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter 3
=_____ =_____ =_____ =_____ =_____ =_____

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

3. Calculation of temperature (T) of filament

Table 3.

Filament Resistance
Variac Current I R = V/I T (oC) T (K) 1/T (K-1)
Volatage(V) (A) (Ω) Calculated

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

220

105

4. Plot graphs of ln Iph Vs 1/T (K-1) for the three filter colours.

5. Calculate the Planck’ s constant from the slope of the graphs.

Calculation:

Results:
The measured value of Planck’ s constant h = ______________________

The known value of Planck’ s constant h = ______________________

% error in the experiment:

106

Experiment 17
Study of magnetic field along the axis of a coil
Apparatus:
Circular coil, power supply, switching keys, magnetic needle, sliding compass box etc.

Objective
To measure the magnetic field along the axis of a circular coil and verify Biot-Savart law.

Theory
For a circular coil of a n turns, carrying a current I, the magnetic field at a distance x from
the coil and along the axis of the coil is given by

µ 0 nIR 2 1
B( x) = (1)
2 (R 2
+ x2 )
32

where R is the radius of the coil.

In this experiment, the coil is oriented such that the plane of the coil is vertical and parallel
to the north-south direction. The axis of the coil is parallel to the east-west direction . The
net field at any point x along the axis, is the vector sum of the fields due to the coil B(x)
and earth’ s magnetic field BE (Fig 1).

B( x)
∴ tan θ = BE θ
BE

B(x)

Fig 1.
Procedure

The appratus consists of a coil mounted perpendicular to the base. A sliding compus box is
mounted on aluminium rails so that the compus is always on the axis of the coil.

1. Orient the apparatus such that the coil is in the north-south plane.
2. Adjust the levelling screws to make the base horizontal . Make sure that the compus is moving
freely.
3. Connect the circuit as shown in the figure.
4. Keep the compus at the center of the coil and adjust so that the pointers indicate 0-0.
5. Close the keys K and KR ( make sure that you are not shorting the power supply) and adjust the
current with rheostat, RH so that the deflection is between 50 to 60 degrees. The current will be
kept fixed at this value for the rest of the experiment.
6. Note down tha readings 1 θ θ
and 2 . Reverse the current and note down 3 and 4θ θ
.7. Repeat the experiment at intervals of 1cm along the axis until the value of the field drops to
10% of its value at the center of the coil. Repeat on both sides of the coil.
8. Draw following graphs:
. B(x) as a function of x.
2
. log(B(x)) as a function of log R +x
2

Find slope and y-intercept from the graph and verify results with the expression for B(x).

107

Observations/Calculations
Parameters and constants
. Least count for x measurement=
. Least count for θ measurement= 6v 1
. No of turns of the coil,n=.. 1
. Radius of the coil,R=10cm mA
k 2 KR 2’
. Current in the coil,I=.... 2

. Permeability of air, µ0 =4π × 10 −7 N/A 2 P.S ckt Rh 1’ 1
. Earth’ s magnetic field, BE =0.39×10-4 T To mA

Fig 2.
Observations

i. Least count of x-measurement= …
ii. Least count for θ measurement = …
iii. No. of turns of the coil (n) = …
iv. Radius of the coil = …
v. Current in the coil = … ..A
vi. Permeability of air (µo) = 4π×10-7 N/A2
vii. Earth’ s magnetic field BE = 0.39×10-4 Tesla.

Table I

X θ1 θ2 θ3 θ4 θ (average) Tan θ log(tanθ ) 2 2 B(x)= Log B(x)
(cm) 4 4 log(R +x ) BE tanθ
(T) (10-4)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
…
….

Table II
For other side of the scale … …
X θ1 θ2 θ3 θ4 θ (average) Tan θ log(tanθ ) 2 2 B(x)= Log B(x)
(cm) 4 4 log(R +x ) BE tanθ
(T) (10-4)
1
2
3
4

108

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
…
….

Calculation:

From the graph of B(x) vs. log (R2+x2), find the slope and intercept from regression
analysis. Slope should be -1.5 according to Biot-Savart law, and intercept value should
match with the value calculated using µo, n, I, and R.

Results:

Experimental value of exponent (slope) = … .
Theoretical value of slope = -1.5
Experimental value of intercept = … .
Theoretical value of intercept = … .


References: David J. Griffiths, “ Introduction to Electrodynamics” , Prentice Hall, 2000,
Chap. 5.

109

Experiment 18

Study of Hall Effect

Apparatus

Commercial setup with the following components: electromagnet with power supply, Hall
probe, Semiconductor sample, arrangement for pressure contact, current supply with
meter, voltmeter etc.

Objective:

To study Hall effect in extrinsic semiconducting samples and determine the type and
density of majority charge carriers. This experiment demonstrates the effect of Lorentz
force.

Introduction:
Consider a rectangular slab of semiconductor with thickness d kept in XY plane [see
Fig. 1(a)]. An electric field is applied in x-direction so that a current I flows through the
sample. If w is width of the sample and d is the thickness, the current density is given by
Jx=I/wd.

Y

Jx q W VH
X
Z
d
B

Fig. 1

Now a magnetic field B is applied along positive z axis (fig. 1). If the charge carriers are
positive (negative) and are moving with velocity v along positive (negative) x-axis then
the direction of force experienced by the charge carriers in presence of magnetic field is
along negative y direction. This results in accumulation of charge carriers towards bottom
edge (fig1.). This sets up a transverse electric field Ey in the sample. The potential, thus
developed , along y-axis is known as Hall voltage VH and this effect is called Hall effect.
Assuming Ey to be uniform the Hall voltage is given by
VH = E y w (1)
and the hall coefficient RH is given by
Ey V d
RH = = H (2)
JxB IB
The majority carrier density n is related to the Hall coefficient by the relation

110

1
RH = (3)
qn
where q is the charge.

From Equation (3), it is clear that the sign of charge carrier and density can be estimated
from the sign and value of Hall coefficient RH. RH can be obtained by studying variation
of VH as a function of I for given B.

Experimental Set-up
Sample is mounted on a sunmica sheet with four spring type pressure contacts. A
pair of green colour leads are provided for current and that of red colour for hall voltage
measurement. Note the direction of current and voltage measurement carefully. Do not
exceed current beyond 10 mA.
The unit marked "Hall Effect Set-up" consists of a constant current generator
(CCG) for supplying current to the sample and a digital milli voltmeter to measure the
Hall voltage. The unit has a digital display used for both current and Hall voltage
measurement.
For applying the magnetic field an electromagnet with a constant current supply is
provided. It is capable of generating a magnetic field of 7.5 Kgauss between its pole
pieces. The magnetic field can be measured by gauss meter along with the hall probe
based on the Hall effect.

Procedure

1. Connect the leads from the sample to the "Hall effect Set-up" unit. Connect the
electromagnet to constant current generator.
2. Switch on the current through sample and measure the hall voltage without any
magnetic field. There may be some voltage due to misalignment of pressure contacts
on the sample. This error must be subtracted from the readings.
3. Switch on the electromagnet and set suitable magnetic field (<3 Kgauss). You can
measure this using Hall probe. (Set magnetic field B=2 kG and B=3 kG for the
experiment).
4. Insert the sample between the pole pieces of the electromagnet such that I, B and V are
in proper direction (Fig.1).
5. Record the hall voltage. Also record voltage by reversing both the current and
magnetic field simultaneously. (Note down data for the first two columns with +B for
all I’s and then reverse the field (-B) to record data for the next two columns)
6. Keeping the magnitude of magnetic field constant, measure hall voltage as a function
of I.
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 for various magnetic fields.
Plot VH as a function of I using the averaged data and find the value of Hall coefficient
from the slope of the graph. Hence determine charge carrier density and type of majority
carrier in the given material.
Note down the sample number or details of the sample.

111

Observation Table:
Sample number: Thickness of the sample: Magnetic field: B= 2000 Gauss

Sl. I VH1(+I,+B) VH2(-I,+B) VH3(+I,-B) VH4(-I,-B) VH avg
No. (mA)
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

Magnetic field: B= 3000 Gauss

Sl. I VH1(+I,+B) VH2(-I,+B) VH3(+I,-B) VH4(-I,-B) VH avg
No. (mA)
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8

Plot two graphs and from the slope, calculate Hall coefficient RH.

From the sign of the Hall voltage with the given current and field direction, determine the
type of conductivity in the semiconductor material.

Calculate free carrier density (n) = 1/(q RH) = … . m-3

112

Results:

For the given sample, RH = … … ..
n=…….
Type of majority carrier = … …


Reference: D. K. Schroder, “ Semiconductor Material and Device Characterization” , John
Willey & Sons Inc. 1990, Chap 5

113

Experiment 19

I-V Characteristic of Solar Cell
Apparatus:
Solar cell, rheostat, ammeter, voltmeter, illumination source, varic and connecting wires.

To study illuminated characteristics of a solar cell for different illumination levels.

Basic methodology:
A solar cell is illuminated by light having photon energy greater than the band gap energy
of the solar cell. Then, using a proper circuit, the open circuit voltage, short circuit current
and power drawn from the solar cell are measured.

I. Introduction
I.1 Solar cell is basically a two terminal p-n junction device designed to absorb photon
absorption through the electrical signal or power in the external circuits. Therefore it
is necessary to discuss the physics of semiconductor p-n junction diode, which
converts the optical energy into electrical signals.

I.2 It is well known that doped semiconductors are of two types, p and n- types
semiconductors depending upon the nature of the charge carriers. In n-type
semiconductor the free carriers are electrons and in p-type semiconductor, the
positive charge carriers are holes. Since the semiconductors are electrically neutral,
in a doped semiconductor the number of free carriers is equal to the lattice ions
present in the semiconductor. The nature of the semiconductor can be defined from
the location of Fermi energy level (EF) in the band structure of the semiconductor as
shown in Fig.1. (The Fermi energy level is defined as the highest filled energy level
at 0 K). In p-type semiconductor the Fermi level lies just above the valence band
(EV) and in n-type semiconductor it lies just below the conduction band (EC) as
shown in Fig. 1. When these two types of semiconductors come in contact, the free
carriers flow in opposite direction and neutralize each other. This process will
continue until the Fermi energy levels of the two semiconductors come to the same
level as shown in Fig. 2.

The region surrounding the junction thus only contains the uncovered positive ions
in n-side and uncovered negative ions in p-side. This region is known as the
depletion region (W) and there are no free carriers available in this region (Figure
3a). In the depletion region, the nature of Fermi energy level is most important from
device point of view.

The variation of different parameters across the depletion region are also shown in
Fig. 3(b-e).

_______________________EC _________________________EC
-------------------------------------EF

----------------------------------EF
_______________________EV _________________________EV

114

p-type semiconductor n-type semiconductor

Figure 1. Location of Fermi energy level in p and n type semiconductors.

Figure 2. Energy bend band diagram of p-n junction diode under no bias condition.
Vo is the potential difference at the depletion region.

I.3 A p-n junction semiconductor can be used in forward as well as in the reverse
biasing mode. If V is the applied reverse voltage across the junction then the current
in the external circuit can be expressed as follows:

Lp Ln qV

I = qA pn + np e kT − 1 (1)
τp τn
Where,

Lp,n = Recombination length of holes and electrons in semiconductors.

τp,n = Life time of holes and electrons.

A = Surface area of the junction in p-n semiconductor diode.

pn , np = minority carrier density in n and p sides.

V = is the applied reverse bias voltage across the junction.

For a combination of two particular semiconductors, the quantity

Lp Ln
qA pn + n p = Cons tan t = I rs .
τp τn

and is known as the reverse saturation current ( Irs ).

I.4 When a radiation of photon energy greater than the band gap energy of the
semiconductor falls up on the surface across the junction (i.e., region surrounding the
depletion region), it produces new electron – hole (e-h) pairs. Since there exists a
junction potential difference as shown in Fig 3, the new carriers flow in opposite
directions depending on their nature of charge. Under this condition eq. (1) can be
modified as follows:

115

Lp qV

I = qA
τp
pn +
Ln
τn
np (
e kT − 1 − Aqg op L p + L n ) ( 2)

Where, gop is the optical generation rate of e-h pairs per (cm3- sec) and V is the
applied

Figure 3. Schematic diagram of p-n junction showing different parameters exist
across the junction [Taken from reference 2].

reverse bias across the p-n junction diode. The second part of the equation is the
current due to optical generation of e-h pairs (Iop). So, the above equation could be
written as

116

qV

I = I rs e kT
− 1 − I op (3)

Following eq.(2), when the device is short circuited (V=0), there is a short – circuit
current from p to n equal to Iop. The usual (i.e., under dark conditions) V-I
characteristic for diode is shown in Fig. 4 by the dashed line that passes through the
origin (see eq. (1)).

Figure 4. V-I characteristic curves of a photo-diode under dark (------) and
illuminated
( ___ ) conditions.

When the optical generation current, Iop is introduced , the nature of the
characteristic curve is modified. In the illuminated condition, the curve passes
through the fourth quadrant also. When the circuit is open, I=0, using applied reverse
bias is also zero, the potential across the junction due to optical generation of
electron – hole pairs, become Voc ( as like V) and one can write from eq. (2),

kT (L p )
+ L n g op
Voc = ln +1 ( 4)
q Lp Ln
pn + np
τp τn

Under this condition the Fermi levels will again change the nature in depletion
region. From the difference of the Fermi levels in n and p-type semiconductors one
can express the open circuited voltage as shown in Fig . 5.

117

Figure 5. Illuminated I-V characteristics for solar cell for two different illuminations

I.5 When we need to use the photodiode as detector application, we usually operate it in
the 3rd quadrant. If power is to be extracted from the device, the fourth quadrant is
used. The equivalent circuit for the purpose is shown in Fig. 6. in the experimental
section. The maximum power delivered through the load RL is when the series
resistance RS is equivalent to the value of RL as given in the procedure. Again to
receive maximum power from solar cell, it is designed with large surface area coated
with appropriate materials to reduce the reflection of the incident light and to reduce
the recombination. Therefore in solar cell device the junction depth from the surface
must be less than the recombination length of electron and holes from both sides, so
that the optically generated carriers can reach the depletion region before
recombination with the majority carriers in the semiconductors. In most of the cases
the incident photons penetrate the n and p regions and are absorbed in the depletion
region.

II. Set-up and procedure:

1. Complete the circuit as shown in circuit diagram (figure 6.)

Figure 6. Circuit diagram of performing the solar cell experiment

2. Illuminate the solar cell. Adjust the rheostat position for resistance so that the
volt meter reads zero. This is the short circuit connection. Adjust the variac

118

(maximum up to 230 V) such that ammeter reads a value of about 500 mA. Note
down the value of the current as short circuited current, Isc .

3. Increase the resistance by varying the rheostat slowly and note down the readings
of current and voltage till a maximum voltage is read. Ensure to take at least 15 –
20 readings in this region.

4. Disconnect he rheostat and note down the voltage. This is the open circuit
voltage, Voc.

5. Repeat the experiment for another intensity of the illumination source.

6. Tabulate all readings in Table 1. Calculate the power using the relation, P = V x
I.

7. Plot I vs. V with Isc on the current axis at the zero volt position and Voc on the
voltage axis at the zero current (see Figure 5.)

8. Identify the maximum power point Pm on each plot. Calculate the series
resistance of the solar cell using the formula as follows : RS = [ ∆V/∆I ].
9. To see the performance of the cell calculate fill factor (FT) of the cell, which can
be expressed by the formula, FF = [ Pm/Isc Voc ].

III. Exercise and Viva Questions:

1. What is a semiconductor? What are p and n type semiconductors? Give one
example of each.

2. What are the advantages of using doped semiconductor rather than pure
semiconductors? Why are semiconductor diodes preferred to valve diodes?

3. What is the meaning of valence and conduction band in semiconductor? How is
the
Fermi energy level in a semiconductor defined?

4. Why do the Fermi energy levels come to the same level when p and n-types of
semiconductors come in contact?

5. What is the depletion region? Assuming majority carrier concentration in n-type
semiconductor is higher than p-type, discuss about the width of the depletion
region about the physical contact layer.

6. What is the meaning of recombination, recombination length, and life time of
carriers in doped semiconductor?

7. What is reverse saturation current in p-n diode? If you increase the reverse bias
voltage, what will be the nature of the 3rd quadrant part of the dotted line in
figure 4?

8. Try to deduce equation 4 from equation 2 under proper assumption.

119

9. Discuss the curve in the 4th quadrant of Fig 4.

10. Give some practical uses of the solar cell.

References:

1. “ Solid State Electronics Devices “ , B.G.Streetman, Prentice-Hall of India Private
Limited, Third Edition, 1993.

2. “ Integrated Electronics “ , J.Millman and C.C.Halkias, McGraw-Hill Kogakusha
Ltd., International Student Edition.

120

Experiment 19
I-V Characteristic of Solar Cell

Table 1

S.No. Illumination 1 : Variac Voltage Illumination 2 : Variac Voltage
Volts Current Power Volts Current Power
(mV) (mA) (mW) (mV) (mA) (mW)

Calculations :

1. Fill up Table 1 and identify the maximum power point for both illumination levels
[Pm1 and Pm2 ]

2. Plot I vs. V for both illumination levels.

3. Mark Pm1 and Pm2 on the plots.

121

4. Note down V and I (as in Fig. 5).

5. Calculate the series resistance and fill factor.

Results:

1. The I-V characteristic was drawn for given solar cell for two illumination levels.

2. The open circuit voltages and short circuit currents for two different illuminations
are measured as :
Voc1 = ___________;Voc2 = ____________;

Isc1 = _____________ and Isc2 = ____________

3. The series resistance of the cell calculated using the two plots is
______________________.

4. Fill factor :


122

Experiment 20

Air wedge: Interference of light
Apparatus

Glass plate, thin wire, beam splitter, light source, traveling microscope etc.

Objective:

To measure the diameter of a given thin wire using interference patterns formed using an
extended source, at the air wedge between two glass plates.

Theory:

Interference effects are observed in a region of space where two or more coherent waves
are superimposed. Depending on the phase difference, the effect of superposition is to
produce variation in intensities which vary from a maximum of ( a1 + a 2 ) 2 to a minimum
of ( a1 − a 2 ) 2 where a1 and a2 are amplitude of individual waves. For the interference
effects to be observed, the two waves should be coherent. Interference patterns can be
observed due to reflected waves from the top and bottom surfaces of a thin film medium.
Because of the extended source, the fringes are localized at or near the wedge.

Fig (1) shows the cross
sectional view of the two flat glass
plates kept on each other and separated
by a wire at the rightmost end. There is
a thin air film between the two glass
plates due to the wire kept at the right
end.
The path difference between the two rays r1 and r2 is 2t cos r , where ‘t’ is the air
thickness as shown in the figure
The condition for dark band is,

2tCosr = mλ

If the incident ray is close to normal ,

2t = mλ (1)

For m=N, the maximum order of the dark band the path difference will be maximum and
this correspond to the position where the wire is kept .Moreover, here the fringes are equal
thickness fringes. So Eqn (1) can be written as

2d = Nλ (2)

123

The length ‘L’ shown in the figure can be written as

L = Nβ (3)

where β is the fringe width. From eq (2) and (3),
d=Lλ/2β----------------------------(4)

Procedure:

1. Place the two optically flat glass plates one over the other , so that they touch each
other at the left end and are separated at the right end by the given thin wire . The
length of the wire should be perpendicular to the length of the glass plate.

2. Place this assembly on the platform of the microscope such that the length of the glass
plate is parallel to the horizontal traverse of the microscope.

3. Illuminate the assembly by sodium light. Adjust the glass plate G, such that incident
light is almost normal to the glass plate wire assembly.

4. Focus the microscope to observe
the interference patterns

5. Measure the horizontal positions of
the dark bands in the order of say,
m, m+5, m+10,......... by traversing
the microscope horizontally.

6. Determine the length ‘L’ with the
help of microscope.

7. Plot a graph of horizontal positions
versus order of dark band. Find out
the mean fringe width β from the
graph and calculate the thickness
of the given wire.

Results:
Thickness of the wire = … … … … … … … .


Wavelength of the source: 5893 A

References:

1. F. A. Jenkins and H. F. White, “ Fundamentals of Optics” (McGraw Hill, 1981),
Chapter 14.
nd
2. E. Hecht and A. Zajac, “ Optics” , (Addision Wesley, 2 Ed. 1987).

124

Experiment 21

Newton’s Rings

Apparatus:

Traveling microscope, sodium vapour lamp, plano-convex lens, plane glass plate,
magnifying lens.


To observe Newton rings formed by the interface of produced by a thin air film and to
determine the radius of curvature of a plano-convex lens.

Basic Methodology:

A thin wedge shaped air film is created by placing a plano-convex lens on a flat glass
plate. A monochromatic beam of light is made to fall at almost normal incidence on the
arrangement. Ring like interference fringes are observed in the reflected light. The
diameters of the rings are measured.

I. Introduction:

I.1 The phenomenon of Newton’ s rings is an illustration of the interference of light
waves reflected from the opposite surfaces of a thin film of variable thickness. The
two interfering beams, derived from a monochromatic source satisfy the coherence
condition for interference. Ring shaped fringes are produced by the air film existing
between a convex surface of a long focus plano-convex lens and a plane of glass
plate.

I.2. Basic Theory:

When a plano-convex lens (L) of long focal length is placed on a plane glass plate
(G) , a thin film of air I enclosed between the lower surface of the lens and upper
surface of the glass plate.(see fig 1). The thickness of the air film is very small at the
point of contact and gradually increases from the center outwards. The fringes
produced are concentric circles. With monochromatic light, bright and dark circular
fringes are produced in the air film. When viewed with the white light, the fringes
are coloured.

A horizontal beam of light falls on the glass plate B at an angle of 450. The plate B
reflects a part of incident light towards the air film enclosed by the lens L and plate
G. The reflected beam (see fig 1) from the air film is viewed with a microscope.
Interference takes place and dark and bright circular fringes are produced. This is
due to the interference between the light reflected at the lower surface of the lens and
the upper surface of the plate G.

125

Fig 1

For the normal incidence the optical path difference between the two waves is nearly
2 t, where is the refractive index of the film and t is the thickness of the air film.
Here an extra phase difference occurs for the ray which got reflected from upper
surface of the plate G because the incident beam in this reflection goes from a rarer
medium to a denser medium. Thus the conditions for constructive and destructive
interference are (using = 1 for air)
2t=m for minima; m =0,1,2,3… … … … … .. ------------
(1)

1
and 2 t = m+ λ for maxima; m = 0,1,2,3… … … … … . -------------(2)
2
Then the air film enclosed between the spherical surface of R and a plane surface
glass plate, gives circular rings such that (see fig 2)

Fig. 2

126

rm2 = (2R-t)t
where rm is the radius of the mth order dark ring .(Note: The dark ring is the mth dark
ring excluding the central dark spot).

Now R is the order of 100 cm and t is at most 1 cm. Therefore R>>t. Hence
(R − t ) 2 + rm = R 2
2
rm = (2R − t ) t
2

2
(neglecting the t term ), giving
r2
2t ≈ m
R
Putting the value of “ 2 t” in eq(1) gives
r2
mλ ≈ m rm ≈ m λ R , m =0,1,2,3… … ----------------(3)
2

R
and eq (2) gives (for the radius rm of mth order bright ring )
2
rm 1 1
= (m + ) λ rm = m + λ R
2
----------------------(4)
R 2 2
Hence for dark rings
rm = m λ R --------------------------(5)
while for bright rings
1
rm = m+ λR ; m =0,1,2,3… … ------------------------(6)
2
With the help of a traveling microscope we can measure the diameter of the mth ring
D
order dark ring = Dm . Then rm = m and hence,
2
D2 = 4 m λ R
m -----------------------(7)
So if we know the wavelength , we can calculate R(radius of curvature of the lens).


1. Clean the plate G and lens L thoroughly and put the lens over the plate with the
curved surface below B making angle with G(see fig 1).

2. Switch in the monochromatic light source. This sends a parallel beam of light.
This beam of light gets reflected by plate B falls on lens L.

3. Look down vertically from above the lens and see whether the center is well
illuminated. On looking through the microscope, a spot with rings around it can
be seen on properly focusing the microscope.

4. Once good rings are in focus, rotate the eyepiece
such that out of the two perpendicular cross wires,
one has its length parallel to the direction of travel
of the microscope. Let this cross wire also passes
through the center of the ring system.

127

5. Now move the microscope to focus on a ring (say, the 20th order dark ring). On
one side of the center. Set the crosswire tangential to one ring as shown in fig 3.
Note down the microscope reading . fig 3
(Make sure that you correctly read the least count of the vernier in mm units)

6. Move the microscope to make the crosswire tangential to the next ring nearer to
the center and note the reading. Continue with this purpose till you pass through
the center. Take readings for an equal number of rings on the both sides of the
center.

Precautions:
Notice that as you go away from the central dark spot the fringe width decreases. In
order to minimize the errors in measurement of the diameter of the rings the
following precautions should be taken:

i) The microscope should be parallel to the edge of the glass plate.

ii) If you place the cross wire tangential to the outer side of a
perpendicular ring on one side of the central spot then the cross wire
should be placed tangential to the inner side of the same ring on the
other side of the central spot.(See fig 3)

iii) The traveling microscope should move only in one direction.


1. What is the medium that causes the interference in this experiment? Why are the
interference effects due to the glass plate and the lens ignored?

2. Explain why the interference rings are circular in shape.

3. Why do the rings get closer as the order of the rings increases?

4. Show that the difference in radius between adjacent bright rings is given by

1 λR
∆ r = rm + n − rm ≈ for m >>1.
2 m
5. Show that the area between adjacent rings is independent of m and is given by
A= R, for m >>1.

6. Why is the central spot dark? What would be the reason for not obtaining a dark
central spot in the experiment?

7. What would be the shape of the rings if a wedge
shaped prison went kept inverted on the glass
plate?

8. What will be the effect of using a plano-convex
lens in the experiment?

Derive an expression for the radius of bright and
dark rings.
128

9. What would be effect of using white light instead of monochromatic light?

10. Why is it necessary to use a lens of large value of R in this experiment?

Reference:

1. “ Physics” ,M.Alonso and E.J.Finn, Addison-Wiley, 1992

2. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D.Halliday , R.Resnick and J.Walker,
6th edition ,John-Wiley & sons , New York 2001.

129


1. Least count of vernier of traveling microscope = ___________________mm

2. Wave length of light = _______________________ m

Table 1: Measurement of diameter of the ring

S.No Order Microscope reading Diameter
of
ring(m) Left side Right side
MS VS Net(cm) MS VS Net(cm) D(cm) D2(cm2)

1 20

2 18

3 16

4 14

5 12

6 10

7 8

8 6

9 4
10 2

Calculations:

Plot the graph of D2 vs. m and draw the straight line of best fit.

Give the calculation of the best fit analysis below. Attach extra sheets if necessary.

From the slope of the graph, calculate the radius of curvature R of the plano convex lens
as

1
R = ( slope) ×
= ____________________________ cm.
4λ
Results: … … … … … … … … … .

130

Experiment 22

Diffraction at a single and double slit

Apparatus:
Optical bench, He-Ne Laser, screen with slits, photo cell, micro meter.

To measure the intensity distribution due to single and double slits and to measure the slit
width (d) and slit separation (a).

Basic Methodology:

Light from a He-Ne Laser source is diffracted by single and double slits. The resulting
intensity variation is measured by a photo cell whose output is read off as a current
measurement.

I. Introduction:

I.1 Single slit diffraction

We will study the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern produced by a slit of width ‘a’ . A
plane wave is assumed to fall normally on the slit and we wish to calculate the
intensity distribution produced on the screen. We assumed that the slit consists of a
large number of equally spaced point sources and that each point on the slit is a
source of Huygen’ s secondary wavelets which interfere with the wane lets emanating
from other secondary points. Let the point sources be at A1, A2, A3… ..and let the
distance between the consecutive points be .(see fig 1). Thus, if the number of point
sources be n, then

a = (n-1) . ---------------------------------------(1).

We now calculate the resultant field produced by these n sources at point P on the
screen. Since the slit actually consists of a continuous distribution of sources , we
will in the final expression, let n go to infinity and go to zero such that n tends to
a.

Fig 1.

131

Now at point P the amplitudes the disturbances reaching from A1, A2, … .. will be
very nearly the same because the point at a distance which is very large in
comparison to a. However, because of even slightly different path lengths ti the pint
P, the field produced by A1 will differ in phase from the field produced by A2.

For an incident plane waves, the points A1, A2.. are in phase and, therefore, the
additional path traversed by the disturbance emanating from the point A2 A2/. This
follows from the fact the optical paths A1B1P and A2/ B2P are the same. If the
diffracted rays make an angle with the normal to the slit the path difference would
be
A2 A2/ = sin --------------------------------(2)

The corresponding phase difference, φ , would be given by
2π
φ= ∆ sin θ ----------------------------------- (3)
λ
Thus, if the field at the point P due to the disturbance emanating from the point A1 is
a cos(ω t ) then the field due to the disturbance emending from A2 would be
emanating a cos (ω t − φ) . Now the difference in phases of the disturbance reaching
from A2 and A3 will also be φ and thus the resultant field at the point P would be
given by
E = E 0 [cos(ω t ) + cos(ω t − φ) + ......... + cos(ω t − (n − 1)φ)] ----------- (4)

Because
cos(ω t ) + cos(ω t − φ) + ......... + cos(ω t − (n − 1)φ)
nφ
sin
2 1
= cos ω t − ( n − 1)φ ----------------------- (5)
φ 2
sin
2

1
Thus, E = E θ cos ω t − ( n − 1)φ --------------------------- (6)
2
Where the amplitude E0 of the resultant field would be given by
nφ
E 0 sin
2
Eθ = ---------------------------------------
φ
sin
2
(7)
In the limit of n and 0 in such a way that n a, we have
nφ n 2π π
= ∆ sin θ → a sin θ
2 2 λ λ
2π 2π a
Further φ = ∆ sin θ = sin θ would tend to zero and we may therefore,
λ λ n

132

nφ π a sin θ
E 0 sin sin
2 = nE λ sin β
write E θ = =A ------------------------- (8)
φ 0
π β
a sin θ
2 λ
where,
π a sin θ
A = n E0 and β = ----------------------------- (9)
λ

sin β
thus, E=A cos(ω t − β) ----------------------------(10).
β
The corresponding intensity distribution is given by
sin 2 β
I = I0 --------------------------------- (11)
β2
where I0 represent the intensity at = 0.

I.2. Positions of the maxima and minima:

The variation of the intensity with is shown in fig 2a. From eq(11) it is obvious
that the intensity is zero when
=m , m 0 --------------------------------- (12)
or
a sin = m ; m = ±1, ±2, ±3 (minima)
In order to determine the position of the minima, we differentiate eq(11) wrt. and
set it equal to zero.
This gives
Tan = (maxima) ---------------------------- (13)
The root = 0 corresponds to the central maximum. The other roots can be found by
determining the points of intersections of the curves y = and y = tan (fig 2 b,c).
The intersections occur at = 1.43 , = 2.46 etc. and are known as the first ,
2
sin (1.43 π)
second maximum etc. Since is about 0.0496, the intensity of the first
1.43 π

maximum is about 4.96% of the central maxima. Similarly the intensities of the
second and third maximum are about 1.88% and 0.83% of the central maximum
respectively.

133

Fig 2

I.3. Double slit diffraction pattern:

In this section we will study the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern produced by two
parallel slits (each of width a) separates by a distance d. We would find that the
resultant intensity distribution is a product of single slit diffraction pattern and the
interference pattern produced by two point sources separated by a distance d.

In order to calculate the diffraction we use a method similar to that used for the case
of a single slit and assume that the slits consists of a large number of equally spaced
point sources and that each point on the slit is a source of Huygen’ s secondary
wavelets. Let the point sources be at A1, A2, A3,… .(in the first slit) and at b1, b2,
b3… (in the second slit)(see fig3). As before, we assume that the distances between
two consecutive points in either of the slit is . Then the path difference between the
disturbances reaching the point P from two consecutive point in a slit will be sin .
The field produced by the first slit at the point P will, there fore, be given by (see eq
134

10)

Fig 3

sin β
E1 = A cos(ω t − β) ------------------------------------ (14)
β
Similarly, the secondary slit will produce a field
sin β
E2 = A cos(ω t − β − Φ1 ) ------------------------------ (15)
β
2π
at the point P, where Φ 1 = d sin θ represents the phase difference between the
λ
disturbances from two corresponding points on the slits; by corresponding points we
imply pair of points like (A1 ,B1), (A2 ,B2)… … ., which are separated by a distance d.
Hence the resultant field will be
sin β
E = E1 + E 2 = A [cos(ω t − β) + cos(ω t − β − Φ1 )]
β
sin β
which represents the interference of two waves each of amplitude A and
β
differing in phase by 1. Above equation can be written as
sin β Φ
E =A cos γ cos( ω t − β − 1 )
β 2
Φ π
where = 1 = d sin θ .
2 λ
The intensity distribution will be of the form
sin 2 β
I = 4 I0 cos 2 γ ----------------------------------- (16)
β 2

135

sin 2 β
where I 0 represents the intensity distribution produced by one of the slits. As
β2
a can be seen, the intensity distribution is a product of two terms, the first term
sin 2 β
represents the diffraction produced by a single slit of width a and the
β2
second term (cos2 ) represents the interference pattern producedby two point sources
separated by a distance d(see fig4)

Fig 4
I.4. Positions of Maxima & Minima:
Equation (16) tells us that the intensity is zero wherever = , 2 , 3 …
π 3π 5π
or when γ = , , .....
2 2 2
The corresponding angles of diffraction will be given by
a sin = m ; (m = 1,2,3..)
and
1
d sin θ = n + λ ; (n = 0, 1, 2, 3… ) ----------------- (17)
2
Interference maxima occur when
= 0, , 2 , 3 … ..
or when
d sin = 0, , 2 , 3 … ..

136


1. Switch on the laser source about 15 minutes before the experiment is due to start.
This ensures that the intensity of light from the laser source is constant.

2. Allow the laser beam to fall on a slit formed in the screen provided.

3. The intensity distribution in the diffraction pattern is measured with the help of a
photo cell. The photo cell is secured to a mount and is kept as far behind the slit
as possible. A screen with a slit (0.3mm wide) is fitted in front of the photocell.
The photo current is measured with a multimeter( A) range and is
approximately proportional to intensity of the incident light.

4. Repeat the same procedure for double slit and record the diffraction pattern on
both the sides of central maximum. The interval between two consecutive
minima positions of the photocell should be small enough, so that adjacent
maxima/minima of the intensity distribution are missed.

Precautions:

1. The laser beam should not penetrate into e yes as this may damages the eyes
permanently.

2. The photo cell should be as away from the slit as possible.

3. The laser should be operated at a constant voltage 220V obtained from a
stabilizer. This avoids the flickering of the laser beam.


1. What are the characteristics of light produced by a laser? Can this experiment
conducted by using any other source?

2. Verify eq(4).

3. For a traveling wave, derive the relation between path difference and phase
differences.

4. What is the effect on the intensity distribution if the slit with ‘a’ is changed ? If
the slit separation‘d’ is changed?

5. What would be the result if the experiment were to be carried out with white
light?

6. What is the intensity distribution for a double slit ignoring diffraction effects?

7. Count the number of interference fringes observed with in the envelope of central
diffraction maximum. Give an example based on the experiment for the number
of fringes seen.

8. What is the effect on the intensity pattern if the distance D between slit and
photocell is changed?

137

9. How much D change for a bright fringe at the photocell should be replaced by
dark fringe?

10. What will be the intensity pattern for a 3-slit interference?

Reference:

1. “ Fundamentals of Optics” , F.A.jenkins and H,E.white, McGraw-Hill
International(4th edition),1976.

2. “ Optics” , A.Ghatak, Tata McGraw-Hill(2nd edition), 1992.

3. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D.Halliday, R.Resnick and J.Walker, 6th edition
John-Wiley & sons , New York 2001

138

Appendix: Lasers
Introduction:
The light emitted from a conventional light source is(like sodium lamp) is said to be
incoherent because the radiation emitted from different atoms do not, in general, bear any
definite phase relationship with each other. On the other hand, the light emitted from a
laser has a very high degree of coherence and is almost perfectly collimated.
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The
basic principle involved in lasing action is the phenomenon of stimulated emission, which
was predicted by Einestein in 1917. Einestein argued that when an atom is in the excited
state, it can make a transition to a lower energy state through the emission of
electromagnetic radiation; however, in contrast to the absorption process, the emission ca
be occur in two different ways:
i). The first is referred to as spontaneous emission in which an atom in the excited state
emits radiation even in the absence of any incident. It is thus not stimulated by any
incident signal but occurs spontaneously.
ii) The second is referred to as stimulated emission in which an incident signal of
appropriate frequency triggers an atom in an excited state to emit radiation.
Using the phenomenon of stimulated emission, C.H. Townes and A.H. Schawlow, in
1958, worked out the principle of the laser.
Stimulated Emission:
Consider a gas enclosed in a vessel containing free atoms having a number of energy
levels, at least one of which is metastable. By shining white light into this gas many can be
excited, through resonance, from the ground state to excited states. As the electron drop
back, many of them will become trapped in the metastable states. If the pumping light is
intense enough we may obtain a population inversion, i.e. more electrons in the metastable
state than in the ground state.

When an electron in one of these metastable states spontaneously jumps to the ground
state, it emits a photon. As the photon passes by another nearby atom in the same
metastable state, it stimulates that atom to radiate a photon of the exact same frequency,
direction, and polarization as the primary photon and exactly the same phase. Both of
these photons upon passing close to other atoms in their metastable states, stimulates them
to emit in the same direction with the same phase. However, transitions from the ground
state to the excited state can also be stimulated thereby absorbing the primary photons. An
excess of stimulated emission gives population inversion. Thus, if the conditions in the gas
are right, a chain reaction can be developed, resulting in high intensity coherent radiation.

Laser Design:

In order to produce a laser, one must collimate the stimulated emission, and this is done by
properly designing a cavity in which the waves can be used over and over again. For this,
a cavity is attached with two end mirrors with high reflecting power and into this cavity is
introduced an appropriate solid, liquid, or gas having metastable states in the atoms or
molecule. The electrons in these atoms are excoted and produce a population inversion of
atoms in a metastable state, which spontaneously radiate. Photons moving at an appreciate
angle to the walls of the cavity will escape and be lost. Those photons emitted parallel to
the axis will reflect back and forth from end to end. Their chance of stimulating emission
will now depend on the high reflectance at the end mirror and a high population density of
metastable atoms within the cavity. If both these conditions are satisfied the build-up of
photons surging back and forth through the cavity can be self sustaining and the system
will oscillate or lase, spontaneously.

139

Helium – Neon Gas Laser:
The He – Ne laser was first fabricated by A I Jaran and Harriot in 1961 at Bell Telephone
laboratories in USA. This consists of a mixture of helium and neon gases in a ratio of
about 10 : 1, placed inside a long narrow discharge tube.(see fig.5). The pressure inside
the tube is 1 mm of Hg. The gas system is enclosed between a pair of plane mirrors. One
of the mirror is of high reflectivity while the other is partially transparent so that the
energy may be out of the system.

Fig 5

All the lower energy levels of He and Ne are shown in an energy level diagram in fig 6.
The normal state of helium is 1S0 level arising from two valence electrons in 1s orbits. The
excitation of either one of these electrons to the 2s orbit finds the atom in a 1S0 or 3S1 state,
both quite metastable, since transitions to the normal state are forbidden by selection rules.

Neon, with Z = 10, has 10 electrons in the normal state and is represented by the
configuration, 1s2, 2s2, 2p6. when one of the six 2p electrons are excited to the 3s, 3p, 4s,
4p, 4d, 4f, 5s, etc., orbit, triplet and singlet energy levels arise. A sub shell like 2p5,
containing one 2p5 electron. The number and designations of the levels produced are
therefore the same as for two electrons, all triplets and singlets.
As free electrons collide with helium atoms during the electric discharge, one of the two
bound electrons may be excited to 2s orbits, i.e., to the 3S1 or 1S0 states. Since downward
transitions are forbidden by radiation selection rules, these are meta stable states and the
number of excited atoms increases. We therefore have optical pumping, out of the ground
stae 1S0 and in to the metastable states 3S1 and 1S0 .

When one metastable helium atom collides with a non atom in its ground state, there is a
high probability that the high excitation energy will be transferred to the neon, raising it to
one of the 1P1 or 3P0, 3P1, or 3P2 levels of 2p55s. The small excess energy is converted in to
kinetic energy of the colliding atoms.

In this process each helium atom returns to the ground state as each colliding neon atom is
excited to the upper level of corresponding energy. The probability of a neon atom being
raised to the 2p53s or 2p53p levels by collision is extremely small because of the large
energy mismatch. The collision transfer therefore selectively increases the population of
the upper levels of neon.

Since selection rules permit transitions from these levels downward to the 10 levels of
2p53p and these in turn to the 4 levels of 2p53s, stimulated emission can speed up the
process of lasing . Lasing requires only that the 4s and 5s levels of the neon be more
densely populated than the 3p levels. Since the 3p levels of neon are more sparsely
populated, lasing can be initiated with out pumping a major of the atoms out of the ground
state.

140

Light waves emitted with in the laser at wavelengths such as 6328,11,177 and 11,523 A0
will occasionally be omitted parallel to the tube axis .Bouncing back and forth between the
end mirrors, these waves will simulate emission of the same frequency from other excited
neon atoms , and the initial wave with the stimulated wave will travel parallel to the axis.
Most of the amplified radiation emerging from the ends of the He – Ne gas laser are in the
near infrared region of the spectrum , between 10,000 and 35,000 A0, the most intense
amplified wavelength in the visible spectrum being the red line at 6328 A0.

141

Experiment 21
Diffraction at a single and Double slit.


Wavelength of He-Ne laser = 623.8 nm.

Distance D between slit and photocell = _______________________ cm.

Least count of screw gauge = _______________________________ cm.

Table 1 : Single slit diffraction

S.No Position of photocell (mm)
Main Scale + Vernier = Net Current
µA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

142

Table 2: Double Slit diffraction

S.No Position of photocell (mm) Current
Main Scale + Vernier = Net µA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

143

Calculations & Results:
1. Determination of width od single slit ‘a’
Plot a graph of current Vs position of the photocell. Using data from Table1.
Measure the distance x from center of diffraction pattern to the first minimum of the
graph paper. Calculate the slit width ‘a’ using (m=1 in eq. 12).

X
a sin θ = a =λ
X 2
+ D2

2. Determination of a & d for double slit
Plot a graph of current Vs position of the photocell using data of Table 2. Measuer
the distance X of the first minimum of the diffraction envelope from the center of the
diffraction pattern ( see Fig 4). Measure also the distance y between two consecutive
minima of the interface pattern with the diffraction envelope (see Fig 4). Calculate a
and d using the following relations.

aX
= λ ( m = 1 in eq.12 )
X 2
+ D2
y
d
2 λ
= ( n = 1 in eq. 17 )
y 2 2
D +
2

4

Results

1. The width of the single slit = ___________________________ mm.

2. For the double slit a = ________________________________ mm.

b = ________________________________ mm.


144

Experiment 23

Diffraction Grating

Apparatus

Spectrometer, grating, sodium lamp, mercury lamp, power supply for spetral lamps,
magnifying glass.

Objective of the experiment:
a. To calibrate the grating spectrometer using the known source (Hg source) of light
and to calculate the grating constant.
b. Using the same grating, to calculate the wavelength of sodium –D lines

Basic methodology:
Light from a mercury lamp source is made to fall normally on a grating mounted on a
spectrometer. The diffraction angle of the diffracted light is measured for each spectral
line of the Hg-source. Likewise for sodium source, the diffraction angle and angular
separation ∆θ of the sodium doublet is measured.

I. Introduction

I.1 Diffraction grating

A diffraction grating is a very powerful and precise instrument for the study of spectra and
is widely used in a large number of fields from Astronomy to Engineering, wherever there
is a need for detection of the presence of atomic elements.

A diffraction grating can be simply thought of as a set of identical and equally spaced slits
separated by opaque strips. In reality gratings are made by ruling fine grooves by a
diamond point either on a plane glass surface to produce a transmission grating or on a
metal mirror to produce a reflection grating. In a transmission grating the grooves scatter
light and so are opaque while the unruled surfaces transmit and act like slits. Typically a
high quality grating (used for studying spectra in the visible range) has about 15000
grooves per inch, which gives a slit spacing of the order of a micron.

The chief requirement of a good grating is
that the lines be equally spaced over the
width of the ruled surface, which can vary
from 1-25 cm. After each groove has been
Fig. 1
145

ruled, the machine lifts the diamond point and moves the grating forward by a small
rotation of a screw. For rulings of equal spacing the screw must have a constant pitch.
Replication gratings are also used, in which a cast of the ruled surface is taken with some
transparent material. Replication grating give satisfactory performance where very high
resolving power is not required. A typical groove profile is the triangular blazed profile
shown in Fig. 1. The angle ϕ is called the blaze angle.

I.2 Basic Theory

When a wave front is incident on a grating
surface, light is transmitted through the slits
and obstructed by the opaque portions. The
secondary waves from the positions of the
slit interface with one another, similar to the
interference of waves in Young’ s experiment.
If the spacing between the lines is of the
order of the wavelength of light then an
appreciable deviation of the light is
produced.

Consider the diffraction pattern produced by
N parallel slits, each of width b; the distance
between two consecutive slits is assumed to
be d (See fig. 2).

The field at any arbitrary point P will
essentially be a sum of N turns (recall the Fig. 2
derivation for the double slit),

sin β sin β sin β
E=A Cos (ωt − β ) + A cos(ωt − β − φ1 ) + ....... + A cos(ωt − β − ( N − 1)φ1 )
β β β
--------------------(1)
sin β sin Nγ
E=A cos[ωt − β − 1 ( N − 1)φ1 ] , ------------------(2)
β sin γ 2

πb sin θ φ1 πd sin θ
where β = and γ = =
λ 2 λ

and ϕ1 is the phase difference between the light rays emanating from successive slits. The
corresponding intensity distribution will be

sin 2 β sin 2 Nγ
I = I0 ------------------(3)
β 2 sin 2 γ
As can be seen, the intensity distribution is a product of two terms, the first term

146

sin 2 β
represents the diffraction pattern produced by a single slit and the second term
β2
represents the interference pattern produced by N equally spaced slits. For N=1 eqn. (3)
reduces to the single slit diffraction pattern and for N=2, to the double slit diffraction
pattern.

I.3 Principal Maxima

When the value of N is very large, one obtains intense maxima at γ=mπ i.e. when

d sin θ = m λ , m=0, 1, 2, … … … (Maxima) … … … (4)

Thus it can be easily seen by noting that

sin Nγ lim N cos Nγ
lim
= = ±N
γ →mπ
sin γ γ →mπ cos γ
Thus, the resultant amplitude will be
sin β
E (θ ) = NA
β
and the corresponding intensity distributions are given by

sin 2 β πb sin θ πbm
I = N 2 I0 , where β = =
β 2
λ d

Such maxima are known as principal maxima. Physically, at these maxima the fields
produced by each of the slits are in phase and therefore, thay add up and the resultant
fields is N times the field produced by each of the slits.

I.4 Minima and secondary maxima

To find the minima of the function sin Nγ
2
we note that the numerator becomes
sin 2 γ
zero at Nγ = 0, π ,2π or in general, pπ where p is an integer. In the special case when p=0,
N, 2N … ., γ will be 0, π, 2π; … . For these values the denominator will also vanish, and we
have the principal maxima descrined above. The other values of p give zero intensity since
for these the denominator does not vanish at the same time. Hence, the condition for
minima is γ = pπ N , excluding those values of p for which p=mN, m being the order.
These values of γ corresponds to

λ 2λ 3λ ( N − 1)λ ( N + 1)λ
d sin θ = , , ,… … , , … … … … … … .(5)
N N N N N

147

Nλ 2 Nλ
Omitting the values 0, , ,...... for which d sin θ = m λ and which corresponds to
N N
principal maxima. Thus, between two principal maxima we have (N-1) minima. Between
two such consecutive minima the intensity has to have a maxima; these maxima are
known as secondary maxima. These are of much smaller intensity than principal maxima.
The principal maxima are called spectrum lines.

Fig. 3

The intensity distribution of the screen is shown in Fig. 3. P corresponds to the position of
the central maxima and 1, 2 etc on the two sides of P represents the 1st, 2nd etc principal
maxima. a, b, c etc are secondary maxima and e, f, etc are the secondary minima. The
intensity as well as the angular spacing of the secondary maxima and minima are so small
in comparison to the principal maxima that they can not be observed. This results in
uniform darkness between any two principal maxima.

I.5 Dodium D lines

The sodium doublet is responsible for the
bright yellow light from a sodium lamp. The
doublet arises from the 3p→3s transition, in
the sodium atom. The 3p level splits into
two closely spaced level with an energy
spacing of 0.0021 eV. The splitting occurs
due to the spin orbit effect. This can be
crudely thought of as arising due to the
internal magnetic field produced by the
electron’ s circulation around the nucleus and Fig. 4
the splitting takes place anologus to the Zeeman effect. Fig. 4 shows the 3p and 3s levels
their splitting and the radiative transition that produces the sodium doublets or D lines.

II. Set-up and procedure:

PART A: Calibration of diffraction grating:

1. Adjust telescope for parallel rays i.e. focus telescope on the object at infinity. Here we

148

can adjust telescope on an object which is at very large distance. Level the
spectrometer and prism table on which grating is mounted using a spirit level. Fig. 5
schematically shows the arrangement of the grating and the spectrometer.

2. Switch on the power supply for spectral lamp.
3. Place the grating on the prism table such that the surface of the grating is
approximately perpendicular to the collimator of the spectrometer (i.e. perpendicular
to the incident slit falling on the grating). Fix the prism table in this position. With the
Hg source observe first order spectrum on left hand side and right hand side. Measure
the angle of diffraction of each line by rotating telescope so that cross-wire coincides
with particular spectral line. Note down each measurement on the observation table I.
The diffraction angle is equal to difference between LHS and RHS observation divided
by two for a particular spectral line. (See Fig. 5).

The wavelength of the main spectral lines of Hg in the visible region are given in
Table I.

PART B: To measure the wavelength of second sodium light (D2)

4. Repeat step 2 and 3 with sodium source. In first order spectrum of sodium measure the
angular position θL of yellow 1 (D1) on the left side. Use the micrometer screw to turn
the telescope to align the crosswire at the second yellow line (D2) and read its angular
position θL.
5. Likewise measure θR on the RHS for D1 and D2.

Precautions:

1. The experiment should be performed in a dark room.
2. Micrometer screw should be used for fine adjustment of the telescope. For fine
adjustment the telescope should be first licked by means of the head screw.
3. The directions of rotation of the micrometer screw should be maintained otherwise the
play in the micrometer spindle might lead to errors.
4. The spectral lams (mercury source) attain their full illuminating power after being
warmed up for about 5 minutes, observation should be taken after 5 minutes.
5. One of the essential precautions for the success of this experient is to set the grating
normal to the incident rays (see below). Small variation on the angle of incident causes

149

correspondingly large error in the angle of diffraction. If the exact normally is not
observed, one find that the angle of diffraction measured on the left and on the right
are not exactly equal. Read both the verniers to eliminate any errors due to non-
coincidence of the center of the circular sale with the axis of rotation of the telescope
or table.

Method to make light fall normal to the grating surface:

a) First mount grating approximately normal to the collimator. See the slit through
telescope and take reading from one side of vernier window. Note down the reading.
b) Add or subtract (whichever is convenient) 900 from reading taken in step (a) and put
telescope to this position. In this position telescope is approximately perperdicular to
the collimator.
c) Now rotate prism table until the slit is visible on the cross-wire of the telescope. At this
position the incident light from the collimator falls at an angle 450 with the plane of the
grating. Note down this reading.
d) Next add or substract 45o to step (c) reading and rotate the prism table so as to obtain
this reading on the same window. In this situation, light incident in the grating surface
is perpendicular.

III. Exercise and viva questions:

1. What is a diffraction grating? How are they made? Name three different types of
gratings.
2. Can a gratingbe used for studying spectra in the UV or infrared region? If so, what
should be its characteristic? Can a prism be so used? What are the advantages of a
grating over a prism?
3. The dispersion of a grating is defined as D=∆θ/∆λ where ∆θ is the angular separation
of the principal maxima of two linees whose wavelengths differ by ∆λ. Show that the
dispersion of a grating is D=m/(dcosθ) at the m-th order. Calculate D for the sodium
doublet at the first order for your experiment.
4. The resolving power of a grating is defined as R=λavg/∆λ where λavg is the mean
wavelength and ∆λ the difference in the wavelength of two spectral lines which can
just be resolved into two lines. It can be shown that R=Nm, where N is the total
number of ruling on the grating and m is the order at which the two spectral ines can
be resolved. Calculate the number of rulings required to resolve the sodium doublet at
the first order.
5. Use Bohr model for the frequency of light emitted in atomic transitions to calculate the
wavelengths foe the sodium doublet, using Fig. 4.
6. In the Hg spectrum which lines are prominent and which are weak? What could be the
reason for variation in intensities of spectral ines?
7. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of looking at the second order
spectra in this experiment?
8. What is the mechanism by which the emission spectrum is produced in the spectral
lamps 9Na or Hg)? Look up Ref. 2 for details.
9. What will happen if the incident light does not fall normally on the grating? Show that
if φ is the angle of incidence w.r.t. the normal to the grating, then the principal maxima
occur at angles θ w.r.t. normal such that d (sin θ + sin φ ) = m λ .

References:

1. “ Advanced Practical Physics for students” , B. L. Worsnop and H.T. Flint, Metheun
150

London, 1942.
2. “ Fundamentals of Optics” , F.A. Jenkins and H.E. White, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill Inc,
1981.
3. “ Fundamentals of Physics” , D. Halliday, R. Resnick and J.A. Walker, 6th Ed. John
Willey and Sons, New York, 2001.
4. “ Optics” , A. Ghatak, 2nd Ed, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi 1992.

151

Experiment 22

Table I
S.No. Spectral Wavelength in Position of Telescope
θ L −θ R Sinθ
line Α° Left side θL (degree Right side θR (degree θ=
minutes) minutes) 2
Main Vernier Total Main Vernier Total
1 Volet- 4047

I
2 Violet-II 4078
3 Blue 4358
4 Bluish- 4916
green
5 Green 5461
6 Yellow I 5770
7 Yellow II 5791

Table II

S.No. Spectral Wavelength in Position of Telescope
θ L −θ R Sinθ
line Α° Left side θL (degree Right side θR (degree θ=
minutes) minutes) 2
Main Vernier Total Main Vernier Total
1 Volet- 5890

I
2 Violet-II 5896

1. Angular position θ of yellow line in first order = … … … … … .
2. Angular separation ∆θ between two yellow lines in first order = … … … … … …

Calculations:

1. Using data of Table I, plot a graph between sinθ and λ , determine the grating constant
d from the slope of the graph.
2. Using above graph, find out the values of λ corresponding to the values of sinθ quoted
in Table 2. These are the wavelengths of spectral lines of sodium. Determine the
wavelength separation ∆λ.
3. Differentiate eqn. (4) for first order,
(d cos θ )∆θ = ∆λ
Use above equation to calculate the wavelength separation between two yellow lines since
d, θ, and ∆θ are known from table 2.
Results:
1. Wavelength of the spectral lines of Hg are given in table I.
2. The grating constant d is found to be … … … … … … .
3. The wavelengths of spectral lines of sodium are … … … ..
4. The wavelength separation between the sodium doublet lines (found from graph) is
∆λ= … … … … … … … … … … … .Å.
5. The wavelength separation between sodium doublet lines (calculated as in step 3
above) is ∆λ= … … … … … … … … … … … .Å.
(One graph paper required)

152

Experiment 24

Speed of light in glass
Apparatus

Prism, spectrometer, monochromatic light source, spirit level.

Objective

To determine the speed of propagation of light waves in glass.

Theory

Light travels with the speed c = 2.998 × 108 m s-1 in vacuum. In a material medium its
speed (v) is less. As a result, light waves undergo refraction at the interface of two media.
In this experiment, we take the material of the medium in the form of a glass prism. A
parallel stream of waves traveling from a medium 1 (here air) is incident on the interface
of air and glass (of the prism), at the angle incidence θ1. The angle of refraction is θ2 .
Snell’ s law connects the two by the relation,

n1sinθ1 = n2 sin θ2 … … … ..… … (1)

where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media 1 and 2 respectively.

Since the medium 1 here is air (n1 ≅1.000), the speed of light in the second medium is
given by

ν=c(sinθ2 /sinθ1 ) ……………… (2)

We know that for a certain direction of incidence, the ray travels parallel to the base of the
prism and the angular displacement of the final ray that emerges from the second interface
of the prism has the lowest possible value. For this minimum angular deviation, δm, and
the corresponding incidence angle θ1, the geometry of symmetric propagation inside the
medium leads to the equation for ν

sin(α/2)
ν = c --------------- … … … … … … … .(3)
sin(α+∂m)/2

where α is the angle of the prism. Thus, from a measurement of the angle of the prism and
the value of the minimum angular displacement δm, the speed of light in the material can
be determined.

Procedure

A spectrometer is used to measure the necessary angles. The spectrometer consists of three
units: (1) collimator, (2) telescope, and (3) prism table.
The prism table, its base and telescope can be independently moved around their common
vertical axis. A circular angular scale enables one to read angular displacements (together
with two verniers located diametrically opposite to each other).

153

In the experiment, we need to produce a parallel beam of rays to be incident on the prism.
This is done with the help of a collimator. The collimator has an adjustable rectangular slit
at one end and a convex lens at the other end. When the illuminated slit is located at the
focus of the lens (See Fig. 1), a parallel beam of rays emerges from the collimator. We can
test this point, with the help of a
telescope adjusted to receive parallel
rays. We first prepare the telescope
towards this purpose as follows:

• Setting the eyepiece: Focus the
eyepiece of the telescope on its cross-
wires (for viewing the crosswires
against a white background such as a
wall) such that a distinct image of the
crosswire is seen by you. In this context, remember that the human eye has an average
“ least distance of distinct vision” of about 25 cm. When you have completed the above
eyepiece adjustment, you have apparently got the image of the crosswire located at a
distance comfortable for your eyes. Henceforth do not disturb the eyepiece.

• Setting the Telescope: Focus the telescope onto a distant (infinity!) object. Focusing
is done by changing the seperation between the objective and the eyepiece of the
telescope. Test for the absence of a parallax between the image of the distant object
and the vertical crosswire. Parallex effect (i.e. separation of two things when you move
your head across horizontally) exits, if the cross-wire and the image of the distant
object are not at the same distance from your eyes. Now the telescope is adjusted for
receiving parallel rays. Henceforth do not disturb the telescope focusing adjustment.

• Setting the Collimator: Use the telescope for viewing the illuminated slit through the
collimator and adjust the collimator (changing the separation between its lens and slit)
till the image of the slit is brought to the plane of crosswires as judged by the absence
of parallax between the image of the slit and crosswires.

• Optical leveling of the Prism:
The prism table would have been nearly leveled before use have started the
experiment. However, for your experiment, you need to do a bit of leveling using
reflected rays. For this purpose, place the table with one apex at the center and facing
the collimator, with the ground (non-transparent) face perpendicular to the collimator
axis and away from collimator. Slightly adjust the prism so that the beam of light from
the collimator falls on the two reflecting faces symmetrically (Fig. 2) When you have
achieved this lock the prism table in this position. Turn the telescope to one side so as
to receive the reflected image of the slit centrally into the field of view. This may be
achieved by using one of the leveling screws. The image must be central whichever
face is used as the reflecting face. Similarly, repeat this procedure for the other side.

154

• Finding the angle of the prism (α):

With the slit width narrowed down sufficiently and prism table leveled, lock the prism
table and note the angular position of the telescope when one of the reflected images
coincides with the crosswires. Repeat this for the reflected image on the otherside
(without disturbing the prism and prism table). The difference in these two angular
positions gives 2α.

• Finding angle of minimum deviation (δm):

Unlock the prism table for the measurement of the angle of minimum deviation (δm).
Locate the image of the slit after refraction through the prism as shown in Fig. 3. Keeping
the image always in the field of view, rotate the prism table till the position where the
deviation of the image of the slit is smallest. At this position, the image will go backward,
even when you keep rotating the prism table in the same direction. Lock both the
telescope and the prism table and to use the fine adjustment screw for finer settings. Note
the angular position of the prism. In this position the prism is set for minimum deviation.
Without disturbing the prism table, remove the prism and turn the telescope (now unlock
it) towards the direct rays from the collimator. Note the scale reading of this position. The
angle of the minimum angular deviation, viz, δm is the difference between the readings
for these last two settings.

∝

δm

Fig 3. Minimum deviation geometry

155

Observation tables:

1. For angle of the prism:

Vernier A Vernier B
Telescope Reading 2α α Telescope Reading 2α α
Face I Face II Face I Face II

2. For angle of minimum deviation:

Vernier A Vernier B
Direct Minimum δm Direct Minimum δm
Reading Deviation Reading Deviation

Calculation:

Use eqn. (3) to calculate the speed of light in the glass medium.

Result:

Sped of light in glass = … … ..

References:

1. F. A. Jenkins and H. F. White, “ Fundamentals of Optics” (McGraw Hill, 1981),
Chapter 2.
2. E. Hecht and A. Zajac, “ Optics” , (Addision Wesley, 2nd Ed. 1987).

156

Experiment 25

Polarization of light

Apparatus
Laser source, polarizer, analyzer, photodiode, battery, multimeter, glass slab, optical table
and stand.

Objective
To study the polarization of light, to verify Malus law and to find the Brewster angle for
glass.

Theory

There are a number of ways an unpolarised light can be converted into a plane polarized
light. You are given two polarising sheets (polaroids). The light passing out of a polarizer
is linearly polarized with the electric field E fixed in one direction in space as determined
by the orientation of the polarizing sheet. If this light passes through a second polarizer
(analyser), then the light output depends on the relative orientation of the two polarizers.
If the pass plane of the second polarizer is making an angle θ with respect to the electric
field E, then the magnitude of the field in the output wave is cosθ and the output
intensity is proportional to cos2 θ Thus the output intensity I of the light transmitted by
the analyser is given by

I=I0 cos2 θ (1)

Where I0 is the intensity of the polarized light incident on analyser. This is known as
Malus law.

Alternatively one can obtain polarised light by using a beam that is reflected at an
interface at a particular angle called Brewster angle.
Consider a polarised beam falling on an interface YZ (fig. 1). The beam is in XY plane
and the polarisation of the light is in the plane of incidence (electric field EI is in XY
plane) . The magnitude of the reflected electric field is given by

α−β
ER = EI (2)
α+β
Where α =cosθT/cosθI and β =µ1n1/µ2n2. µ is the magnetic permeability of the material
and n is the refractive index of the material.
Thus the reflectivity (ER /EI) depends on angle of incidence for the inplane polarisiation
and goes to zero at a certain angle of incidence called Brewster angle θB given by
tanθB = n1/n2
This fact can be used to get a polarised beam from an unpolarised beam. An unpolarised

157

beam is made to incident at an interface at Brewster angle. The reflected beam will contain
the perpendicular component only.

Experimental Setup
The set-up consists of a laser light source (partially polarised), polariser, analyser, and a
photodiode (Fig. 2). The analyser unit is fitted with a circular scale to record the angular
readings. Photodiode is used to measure the intensity of light. All the components can be
mounted on an optical bench for proper alignment

µ1n1 Y µ2n2
kR ER
ET
kT
X
EI

kI

Fig. 1

Procedure

Part A
1. Assemble the photodiode circuit (reverse bias) in photoconductive mode as shown in
fig 3. In this configuration photocurrent will be directly proportional to the intensity of
light falling on to it.
2. Align the light source and two polaroid sheets so that the beam passes through both the
polarisers and falls on to the detector. The plane of polaroids must be perpendicular to
the beam.
3. Remove the polariser from the path of the beam and rotate the analyser to get the
maximum photocurrent (as the source is partially polarised). Now insert the polariser
in between laser and the analyser and rotate ithe polariser to get again maximum
current. This will ensure that the pass plane of polariser and analyser are parallel and
along the larger component of the field.
4. Now rotate the analyser in small angular steps and record the photocurrent current as a
function of θ.
Part B
1. Remove the polariser from the path of the beam.
2. Place the glass slab on a horizontal table and align it with light source so that the
incident beam is normal to the glass surface. Note this angular reading. Angle of
incidence can be changed by rotating the glass plate about vertical axis.
3. Set the analyser such that it passes only horizontal polarised light.
4. Record the intensity of reflacted beam as a function of angle of incidence.

158

Observation Table:
Part A: θ = angle between Polaroid sheet
IT= Total current
IS=Stray light current
Table I
S. no. θ (degree) IT (mV) IS (mV) I=IT-IS
1 0
2 5
3 10
.. ..
.. ..
.. 360

Part B: θI = Angle of incidence
Table II
S. No. θI (degree) IT (mV) IS (mv) I=IT-IS
1 10
2 15
3 20
4 25
5 30
6 35
7 40
8 45
9 50
10 52
11 54
12 56
13 58
14 60
15 65
16 70
17 75
18 80

Analysis:
1. In Part A, plot I vs. θ and verify eqn. (1).
1. In Part B, plot I vs. θI. Find Brewster angle from the minima of the graph. Estimate
uncertainty in the Brewster angle.
For calculating error in θB i.e. ∆θ B from graph, use the following concept:

159

∆θ B = ∆θ I min + ∆θ (∆I ) , where ∆I is the least count in I measuring instrument.

Photodiode
µA

Fig. 3

Results:
Brewster’ s angle for glass = … … … … … … … … … … .


Reference: F. A. Jenkins and H. F. White, “ Fundamentals of Optics” (McGraw Hill,
1981), Chapter 24.

160

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