Ej-1 Rotating Dipole Analogue of the Electrocardiograph
Published: Tuesday 14 March 2006 - Updated: Tuesday 29 March 2011
Aim
To demonstrate a simple model of the electrocardiograph.
Apparatus
- Electrocardiograph model
- Salt water solution
- Demonstration galvanometer
Diagrams
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Description
A potential difference occurs across the heart during its operation. The complex rhythmic potentials can be picked up by suitably placed electrodes on the body to obtain an E.C.G.
To simulate this a battery is placed in a conducting salt water solution. Two electrodes in the container are connected to a galvanometer. Rotating the battery causes the galvanometer deflection to vary sinusoidally.
The heart is being represented by a rotating dipole. The salt solution represents the conducting electrolyte of the body.