Maxwell Vibration Needle

Product Code : LSK-AM-11086

Maxwell Vibration Needle (SKU LSK-AM-11086), often called Maxwell's needle, is a torsional pendulum for finding the modulus of rigidity of a wire. A brass tube hangs from the test wire and carries interchangeable solid and hollow cylinders, so its moment of inertia can be changed while it oscillates. Undergraduate physics labs use it for the dynamic rigidity experiment. It is manufactured by Science Lab Supplies at Plot 448, HSIIDC Industrial Area, Saha, Ambala, India, and sold directly to colleges, schools, tender contractors and distributors.

Specifications

The needle is a hollow brass tube 40 cm long, fitted with a wire chuck and a mirror. Two solid and two hollow cylinders, each 10 cm long, fit the bore accurately. Graduated scales and verniers are provided on sliding weights, and the set is complete with a ceiling attachment, without stand.

Applications and Experiments for the Maxwell Vibration Needle

The needle is used to determine the rigidity modulus of a suspension wire by timing torsional oscillations with the solid cylinders placed first at the ends, then at the centre of the tube. It is a standard B.Sc. elasticity practical and also appears in engineering physics and diploma physics labs.

• B.Sc. physics: modulus of rigidity of a wire by Maxwell's needle.
• B.Tech engineering physics: torsional oscillations and moment of inertia.

Standard Scope of Supply

The set comprises the 40 cm hollow brass tube with wire chuck and mirror, two solid and two hollow 10 cm cylinders, the graduated scales and verniers on sliding weights, and the ceiling attachment. A stand is not included; the test wire and a stopwatch are not listed as part of the set.

Packing, MOQ and Lead Time

College labs can ask for a quotation on a single Maxwell's needle or several for a batch practical. We state packing, delivery time and price for the number requested, and as a physics instruments supplier in India we can include related elasticity apparatus on the same quote.

Holding an Importer-Exporter Code, Science Lab Supplies can ship to buyers in Egypt, Iraq, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Ethiopia. Questions go through the contact page, item lists through the enquiry cart, and tender requirements through the lab tender page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Maxwell Vibration Needle used for?
It is used to find the modulus of rigidity of a wire. The period of torsional oscillation is measured with the solid cylinders in two positions, and the change in moment of inertia gives the rigidity.

Does it come with a stand?
No. The needle is supplied with a ceiling attachment for suspension and without a stand, so the lab needs a ceiling point or its own rigid support to hang it from.

How many cylinders are included?
Four: two solid and two hollow, each 10 cm long and made to fit the bore of the 40 cm brass tube accurately, so they can be swapped between positions.

Is Science Lab Supplies the manufacturer or a trader?
Science Lab Supplies is the manufacturer of this needle, which is built in the company's own factory in Saha, Ambala, India. Price and delivery terms therefore come straight from the maker.

Related Torsion and Rigidity Apparatus

Rigidity and moment of inertia are also studied with the four items below from the applied mechanics range. They offer static and dynamic methods on different specimens, so a college lab can set up a complete elasticity bench, and all four can share one quotation with the needle.

• Torsion Pendulum — brass disc with an added ring.
• Torsion Apparatus Searle's Type — horizontal bench, brass and steel rods.
• Torsion (Barton's) Apparatus Vertical Pattern — vertical rod, three circular scales.
• Inertia Disc — brass disc with split chuck clamping.

Browse the full Applied Mechanics range or all physics lab equipment.

Last updated: 25 September 2026