Page:A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field.pdf/18

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PROFESSOR CLERK MAXWELL ON THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD.

In this expression F is the electromotive force of the battery, the current through the galvanometer when it has become steady. P, Q, R, S the resistances in the four arms. B that of the battery and electrodes, and G that of the galvanometer.

(44) If PS=QR, then , and there will be no steady current, but a transient current through the galvanometer may be produced on making or breaking circuit on account of induction, and the indications of the galvanometer may be used to determine the coefficients of induction, provided we understand the actions which take place.

We shall suppose PS=QR, so that the current vanishes when sufficient time is allowed, and

Let the induction coefficients between P, Q, R, S be given by the following table, the coefficient of induction of P on itself being , between P and Q, , and so on.

Let be the coefficient of induction of the galvanometer on itself, and let it be out of the reach of the inductive influence of P,Q,R,S (as it must be in order to avoid direct action of P,Q,R,S on the needle). Let X,Y,Z be the integrals of with respect to . At making contact are zero. After a time disappears, and and reach constant values. The equations for each conductor will therefore be

(24)

Solving these equations for , we find

(25)

(45) Now let the deflection of the galvanometer by the instantaneous current whose intensity is be .

Let the permanent deflection produced by making the ratio of to , instead of unity, be .

Also let the time of vibration of the galvanometer needle from rest to rest be .