Hall Effect Experiment

The Hall Effect experiment (conducted by Edwin Hall in 1879) determines the sign of the charge carriers in current flow. A current can be thought of as a negative charge moving in one direction (Figure 1) or as a positive charge moving in the opposite direction (Figure 2). To determine which it actually is, the semiconductor is immersed in the magnetic field transverse to the direction of flow of current. The moving charge experiences a force, causing a charge buildup on one side of the semiconductor (creating an electric field), which in turn leads to a force. The direction of the electric field will depend on the sign of the charge carriers, and the polarity of the Hall voltage across the semiconductor reveals this sign.

The magnitude of the Hall voltage is dependent on the current, the charge carrier density, and the magnitude of the magnetic field. In modern day electronics, the Hall Effect is used to measure the magnitude and direction of magnetic fields.

PASCO Advantage: The open design of this Hall Effect apparatus makes it possible for students to see the direction of the current and the magnetic field, enabling them to use the sign of the Hall voltage to deduce the sign of the charge carriers.