Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010

Measurement of Susceptibility of
Manganese (II) Sulphate solution by
Quincke’s Method
Harsh Purwar (07MS – 76)
Amit Nag (07MS – 19)
Piyush Pushkar (07MS – 33)
Sibhasish Banerjee (07MS – 55)
VI Semester (3rd Year), Integrated M.S.
th

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata

Abstract: Magnetization in material arises from microscopic phenomena which can best
explained by quantum mechanical means. But its manifestation at macroscopic level makes it
directly accessible in the realm of theoretical classical electro-magnetism. Due to this, easily
measurable field quantities give us a method to predict microscopic properties of material
which otherwise remains elusive to elementary direct measurement. In this experiment we
have measured the magnetic susceptibility of MnSO4 solution at various concentrations by
Quincke's method which is based on the force experienced by a magnetized material in a non-
uniform magnetic field.

Introduction & Theory:

The magnetic susceptibility is the degree of magnetization of a material in response to an applied magnetic
field. In free space (vacuum) there is no magnetization, 𝑀, the magnetization 𝑀 is defined as the magnetic
moment per unit volume. The magnetic field can be described by the vector fields 𝐵 and 𝐻 which are
linearly related by

𝐵 = 𝜇0 𝐻

The two magnetic fields 𝐵 and 𝐻 are just scaled versions of each other, the former measured in Tesla
(abbreviated to 𝑇) and the latter measured in 𝐴𝑚−1 . In a magnetic solid the relation between 𝐵 and 𝐻 is
more complicated and the two vector fields may be very different in magnitude and direction. The general
vector relationship is

𝐵 = 𝜇0 𝐻 + 𝑀 .

In the special case that the magnetization 𝑀 is linearly related to the magnetic field 𝐻, the solid is called a
linear material and we write

𝑀 = 𝜒𝐻

where 𝜒 is a dimensionless quantity called the magnetic susceptibility. In this special case there is
still a linear relationship between 𝐵 and 𝐻, namely where 𝜇𝑟 = 1 + 𝜒 is the relative permeability of the
material.

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
If 𝜒 is positive, then 1 + 𝜒 > 1, and the material can be paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic, or
anti-ferromagnetic. In this case, the magnetic field is strengthened by the presence of the material.
Alternatively, if 𝜒 is negative, then 1 + 𝜒 < 1, and the material is diamagnetic. As a result, the magnetic
field is weakened in the presence of the material.

By Quincke’s Method magnetic susceptibility is measured by the force change felt by a magnetized
material in the form of a liquid or an aqueous solution upon the application of a magnetic field gradient.
The force on unit volume of the sample is negative of the gradient of the change in energy density,
1 𝐵 . 𝐻 . Thus force, 𝑓, acting on an element of area 𝐴 and length 𝑑𝑥 of the column of liquid is
2
𝑑 1 𝐴
𝑓 = 𝐴. 𝑑𝑥. 𝜇0 𝜇𝑟 − 𝜇𝑟𝑎 𝐻 2 = 𝜇0 χ − χ𝑎 𝑑 𝐻 2
𝑑𝑥 2 2

Where 𝜇𝑟 , 𝜒𝑟 and 𝜇𝑟𝑎 , 𝜒𝑎 are respectively relative permeability and susceptibility of the sample and
the air which the sample displaces. So, the total force, 𝐹, on the liquid is

𝐴
𝐹= 𝜇 χ − χ𝑎 (𝐻 2 − 𝐻02 )
2 0 𝑟
where 𝐻 is equal to the field at the liquid surface between the poles of the magnet and 𝐻0 is the
field at the other surface away from the magnet. The liquid (density 𝜌) moves under the action of this force
until it is balanced by the pressure exerted over the area 𝐴 due to a height difference 2𝑕 between the
liquid surfaces in the two arms of the U-tube. It follows, assuming density of air to be very small which the
case is usually:

𝐹 = 2𝐴𝑕𝜌𝑔

2 2𝑕
χ = χ𝑎 + 𝑔𝜌 2
𝜇0 (𝐻 − 𝐻0 2 )

In actual practice 𝜒𝑎 is negligible and can be ignored and the above expression simplifies to

4ρgh
χ=
μ0 (𝐻 2 − 𝐻0 2 )

Now 𝐻 can be approximated as 𝐻 = 𝐵 𝜇0 , since 𝜒 is very small and 1 + 𝜒 ≈ 1, thus

4μ0 ρgh
χ=
(𝐵 2 − 𝐵0 2 )

In the case of a solution this determined susceptibility, 𝜒 , is total susceptibility, summation of

susceptibilities of both the solute and solvent, this assumes that the number of solvent molecules per unit
volume is not very different in the solution from the that in pure. Also note that 𝜒 here is the volume
susceptibility of the solution which is related to the mass susceptibility by the following relation,
𝜒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙
𝜒𝑣𝑠𝑜𝑙 =
𝜌

Here 𝜌 is the density of the solution. As mentioned earlier 𝜒𝑣 is a dimensionless quantity whereas 𝜒𝑚 is
measured in 𝑚3 /𝐾𝑔 in S.I. units.
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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
Procedure:
1. Solutions of Manganese sulphate with different concentrations were prepared and their densities
were calculated separately as mentioned below.
2. Calibrate the magnetic field was calibrated against magnet current using the digital Hall probe. The
probe was positioned so that it gives positive values of B and the stand was used so that probe
remains in the same position throughout your calibration.
3. Before the actual experiment, magnetic field against magnet current was calibrated by using Hall
Probe and it was fitted linear.
4. The tube was thoroughly cleaned and then dried using a drier. Now some of the solution was
transferred to the U-tube.
5. The U tube was placed in between the pole pieces of the magnetic field such that the length of the
horizontal connecting limb should be sufficient to keep the wide limb out of the magnetic field.
6. The liquid in the tube is filled and the meniscus is set centrally within the pole pieces as shown.
Microscope is focussed on the meniscus and reading is taken.
7. And with different applied magnetic field, difference in the two levels of the solution in U-tube was
measured by a travelling microscope.
8. By using above mentioned expression for the magnetic susceptibility of the solution was calculated
and it was corrected for Manganese by subtracting the susceptibility of water = −0.90 ×
10−5 𝑚3/𝐾𝑔.

Preparation of Manganese sulphate monohydrate solutions:

Manganese (II) Sulphate (MnSO4.H2O)
Solubility: 37.3 g in 100mL of water at 24 deg C.

Solution 1:
15.72 grams of Manganese (II) sulphate monohydrate was dissolved in 50 mL of water.
Density of Solution 1:
Weight of solution: 63.7 grams
Volume of solution: 53 mL
Density of the solution: 1.20 gm/mL

Solution 2:
11.79 grams of Manganese (II) sulphate monohydrate was dissolved in 50 mL of water.
Density of Solution 2:
Weight of solution: 59.59 grams
Volume of solution: 52 mL
Density of the solution: 1.14 gm/mL

Solution 3:
13.055 grams of Manganese (II) sulphate monohydrate was dissolved in 50 mL of water.
Density of Solution 3:
Weight of solution: 61.01 grams
Volume of solution: 52 mL
Density of the solution: 1.17 gm/mL

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
Observations:
Table 1: For calibration of the magnetic field with the current flowing through the electromagnets.

Current through electromagnetic coil Magnetic Field

S. No.
(A) (Gauss)
1 0.00 169
2 0.20 590
3 0.40 1046
4 0.60 1505
5 0.80 2020
6 1.00 2520
7 1.20 3040
8 1.40 3540
9 1.60 4010
10 1.80 4500
11 2.00 5000
12 2.20 5540
13 2.40 5850
14 2.60 6350
15 2.80 6630
16 3.00 6930
17 3.20 7210
18 3.40 7440
19 3.60 7680
20 3.80 7880
21 4.00 8050
Following is the graph for calibration of the magnetic field at the centre of the two coils with current
through the electromagnets.

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
Fitting the above graph linearly gives,

𝐵 = 2348 × I + 181.1

Table 2: For Magnetic Field versus rise in the solution's meniscus (Relative Height) for Solution # 1.

Current through the Corresponding Main Scale Final Relative

Obs. Vernier Scale
electromagnet Magnetic Field Reading Reading Height {h}
No. Division
(A) (Gauss) (cm) (cm) (cm)
For Solution # 1
1 0.00 181.1 2.95 6 2.956 0
2 0.50 1355.1 2.95 21 2.971 0.015
3 1.00 2529.1 3.00 24 3.024 0.068
4 1.50 3703.1 3.05 32 3.082 0.126
5 2.00 4877.1 3.15 28 3.178 0.222
6 2.50 6051.1 3.25 39 3.289 0.333
7 3.00 7225.1 3.35 25 3.375 0.419
8 3.50 8399.1 3.45 0 3.450 0.494
9 4.00 9573.1 3.50 7 3.507 0.551
For Solution # 2
1 0.00 181.1 3.30 31 3.331 0
2 0.50 1355.1 3.30 47 3.347 0.016
3 1.00 2529.1 3.35 24 3.374 0.043
4 1.50 3703.1 3.40 16 3.416 0.085
5 2.00 4877.1 3.45 29 3.479 0.148
6 2.50 6051.1 3.50 46 3.546 0.215
7 3.00 7225.1 3.60 5 3.605 0.274
8 3.50 8399.1 3.65 3 3.653 0.322
9 4.00 9573.1 3.65 47 3.697 0.366
For Solution # 3
1 0.00 181.1 3.25 37 3.287 0
2 1.01 2552.58 3.35 2 3.352 0.065
3 1.50 3703.1 3.35 19 3.369 0.082
4 2.00 4877.1 3.35 42 3.392 0.105
5 2.50 6051.1 3.40 24 3.424 0.137
6 3.00 7225.1 3.45 37 3.487 0.200
7 3.50 8399.1 3.50 34 3.534 0.247
8 4.00 9573.1 3.55 21 3.571 0.284
*Relative height field above in the table is the rise in height of the solution’s meniscus taking its height at
zero current i.e. at 181.1 gauss of magnetic field to be zero. This relative height is plotted versus square of
the applied magnetic field below. The data points were then fitted linearly.

Following are the graphs of relative height versus square of the magnetic field for the three solutions of
Manganese sulphate of concentrations and densities as mentioned above.

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010

For Solution # 1

For Solution # 2

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010

For Solution # 3

Fitting the above three graphs linearly gives their slopes as,
For Solution 1:

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 6.319 × 10−9 , 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 3.919 × 10−2

For Solution 2:

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 4.139 × 10−9 , 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 2.676 × 10−2

For Solution 3:

𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 2.943 × 10−9 , 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 = 3.146 × 10−2

Calculations:
𝜒𝑣𝑠𝑜𝑙 = 4𝜇0 𝜌𝑔 × 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒

⇒ 𝜒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙 = 4𝜇0 𝑔 × 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒

Density 𝝆 𝝌𝒎𝒔𝒐𝒍
Solution No. 𝒈 𝝌𝒗𝒔𝒐𝒍 𝒄𝒎𝟑
𝒄𝒄 𝒈
1 1.20 3.735 × 10−5 3.113 × 10−5
2 1.14 2.324 × 10−5 2.039 × 10−5
3 1.17 1.696 × 10−5 1.450 × 10−5

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
Mass magnetic susceptibility due to Manganese (II) sulphate monohydrate is given by,
𝑚𝑠 𝑚𝑤
𝜒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙 = 𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻 2 𝑂 − 𝜒
𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚𝑤 𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚𝑤 𝑚 𝐻 2 𝑂
𝑚𝑤 𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚𝑤
𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻 2 𝑂 = 𝜒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙 − 𝜒𝑚 𝐻 2 𝑂
𝑚𝑠 + 𝑚𝑤 𝑚𝑠

𝝌𝒎𝒔𝒐𝒍 𝝌𝒎𝑴𝒏𝑺𝑶
Mass of Solute Mass of Solvent 𝟒 .𝑯𝟐 𝑶 𝝌′′𝒎𝑴𝒏𝑺𝑶
Solution No. 𝒄𝒎𝟑 𝒄𝒎 𝟑 𝟒 .𝑯𝟐 𝑶
𝒎𝒔 (𝒈) 𝒎𝒘 (𝒈) 𝒄𝒎 𝟑
𝒈 𝒈
1 15.72 50.0 3.113 × 10−5 1.324 × 10−5 0.0224
2 11.79 50.0 2.039 × 10−5 1.099 × 10−5 0.0186
3 13.06 50.0 1.450 × 10−5 7.278 × 10−5 0.0123

Now we have mass solubility of manganese (II) sulphate monohydrate 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 . 𝐻2 𝑂 𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻2 𝑂 for
three different solutions as listed in the above table.
′′
Now 𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻 2 𝑂
is given by,
′′
𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻 2 𝑂
= 𝜒𝑚 𝑀𝑛𝑆 𝑂 4 .𝐻 2 𝑂 × 𝑀. 𝑤𝑡. 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 . 𝐻2 𝑂 = 169 𝑔

This value is also calculated in the above table.

Conclusions:
 The volume susceptibility and mass susceptibility for the three solutions of manganese sulphate
monohydrate 𝑀𝑛𝑆𝑂4 . 𝐻2 𝑂 in water are as summarized in the following table.

Mass
Mass Susceptibility for
Susceptibility of 𝝌′′𝒎 for
Solution Molarities Volume Susceptibility 𝑴𝒏𝑺𝑶𝟒 . 𝑯𝟐 𝑶
solution 𝒄𝒄 𝑴𝒏𝑺𝑶𝟒 . 𝑯𝟐 𝑶
No. 𝑴 of solution 𝒄𝒄 𝒄𝒄
𝒈
𝒈
1 1.76 3.735 × 10−5 3.113 × 10−5 1.324 × 10−5 0.0224
2 1.34 2.324 × 10−5 2.039 × 10−5 1.099 × 10−5 0.0186
3 1.49 1.696 × 10−5 1.450 × 10−5 7.278 × 10−5 0.0123

′′
 As quoted in the manual the standard value of mass susceptibility 𝜒𝑚 for manganese (II) sulphate
monohydrate is 0.0142 𝑐𝑐. Hence the above found results are valid under the experimental regime.

Discussion & Sources of Error:

In above experiment the magnetic field was calibrated using the hall probe which involved constantly
varying current in one direction across the electromagnet; hence invariably we have incorporated error
due to hysteresis. Moreover the hysteresis effect was present even when the actual experiment was
conducted since again no correction was made for hysteresis. The Hall probe was only corrected for zero
error via zero adjustment, hence any other complicated systemic error that might have been associated
with the hall probe and hence with measurement of magnetic field has been neglected. The result

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Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 27th Jan – 3rd Feb 2010
obtained on hinges on theoretical derivation of the above formula which assumes dilute concentration of
the solution but under such concentration effect of non uniform magnetic field is not very observable.

9|Magnetic Susceptibility, Experiment No. - 2