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QPages 275-276: Q11: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Permanent Magnets Pages 275-276: Q11 Solution: The reduction factor K of a tangent galvanometer is written on…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often treat the reduction factor $K$ as a fixed constant, but it actually depends on the local horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field $B_H$. When the galvanometer is moved to a different latitude, $B_H$ changes, so $K$ must be recalculated and the manual updated or the instrument recalibrated.

The reduction factor K of a tangent galvanometer is written on the instrument. The manual says that the current is obtained by multiplying this factor to tan⁡θ\tan \theta. The procedure works well at Bhuwaneshwar. Will the procedure work if the instrument is taken to Nepal? If there is same error, can it be corrected by correcting the manual or the instrument will have to be taken back to the factory?

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** The procedure will not work correctly in Nepal. It can be corrected by correcting the manual. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** The reduction factor KK of a tangent galvanometer depends on the horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field BHB_H, which varies with location. The value of KK written on the instrument is calibrated for Bhubaneswar. In Nepal, BHB_H is different, so the same KK will give incorrect current readings. The correction can be made by calculating the new KK for Nepal and updating the manual; the instrument itself does not need to be taken back [citation:14].

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