Current Balance experiment (Earth's magnetic field?)

[maverick280857]

Homework Statement

There are two current carrying wires carrying the same current but in opposite directions. One wire is rigidly fixed whereas the other is part of a frame that can rotate about a horizontal axis. When current begins to flow in the two wires, they repel each other. The upper wire begins to rotate but if a mass is hung from it, the net force on it can be balanced so that it remains in mechanical equilibrium. Equating the weight to the magnetic force on the wire can be used to estimate the permeability of free space ([itex]\mu_{0}[/itex]) by drawing a straight line between the mass required to equilibrate versus the square of the current.

Now, the questions is: how does one eliminate the effect of the Earth's magnetic field?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Will flipping the table be sufficient?

 

[Mentz114]

Do you mean - take two readings in two different alignments to the Earth's M field ?

That would work. A more usual way is to use a pair of Helmholtz coils to null the field near the apparatus.

 

[m2003]

I would recommend a more controlled and precise method to eliminate the effect of the Earth's magnetic field in this experiment. This can be achieved by using a magnetic shielding material, such as mu-metal, to surround the experimental setup. This material can effectively block out external magnetic fields, allowing for a more accurate measurement of the permeability of free space. Additionally, careful calibration and alignment of the equipment can also help reduce the influence of the Earth's magnetic field on the experiment.