Investigate a Galvanometer is Converted
to Voltmeter to measure the Voltages in
the Range of 0-3V and 0-5V
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A galvanometer is a highly sensitive instrument used to detect and measure
very small electric currents. It works on the principle that a current-carrying
coil placed in a uniform magnetic field experiences a torque, causing it to
deflect. This deflection is indicated by a pointer or mirror scale arrangement,
and is proportional to the current passing through the coil. Due to their
sensitivity, galvanometers are widely used in laboratories for detecting
minute currents, acting as null detectors in bridge circuits, and, with suitable
modifications, serving as voltmeters or ammeters.
An important parameter associated with a galvanometer is its figure of
merit, defined as the current required to produce a unit deflection (ampere
per division). A smaller figure of merit indicates a more sensitive instrument.
The figure of merit is essential in instrument calibration and in calculating
the additional resistance needed to modify the galvanometer for different
measurement ranges. By connecting a high resistance in series, a
galvanometer can be converted into a voltmeter; by connecting a low
resistance, or shunt, in parallel, it can be converted into an ammeter.
The principle of determining the figure of merit is based on the relation
I =kθ
where I is the current through the galvanometer, θ is the deflection, and k is
the figure of merit. The resistance of the galvanometer (G) can be
determined by the half-deflection method, in which a shunt resistance is
adjusted so that the deflection becomes half of its initial value. This
experiment provides both G and k, enabling calculation of the series
resistance required for voltmeter conversion using
V0
R= −G
Ig
Where V0 the desired range of the voltmeter and Ig is the full-scale deflection
current of the galvanometer.
If I 0 is the total current in the circuit for full scale deflection, then the current
( I 0- I g) passes through S, where I g is current that flows through the
galvanometer for full scale deflection. The instrument is calibrated so as to
read the current directly in ampere and then it can be used as an ammeter.
Since G and S are parallel to each other therefore, the potential difference
across both are same, hence,
I g G=( I 0−I g ) S
Or
I gG
S=
( I 0−I g )
Historical Background
The development of the galvanometer is closely tied to the early history of
electromagnetism. Its name originates from the Italian scientist Luigi
Galvani, whose late 18th-century experiments with frog muscles and
“animal electricity” inspired further investigation into electrical phenomena.
Building upon this, Alessandro Volta invented the voltaic cell in 1800,
providing the first steady source of current and enabling controlled electrical
experiments.
A major breakthrough came in 1820 when Hans Christian Ørsted
discovered the deflection of a magnetic needle by an electric current,
demonstrating a link between electricity and magnetism. Soon after, Johann
Schweigger constructed the “multiplier” galvanometer, which amplified the
magnetic effect of small currents by winding the conductor into multiple coils
around a magnetic needle, greatly increasing sensitivity.
In the mid-19th century, William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin) refined the
design into the mirror galvanometer, replacing the pointer with a
lightweight mirror to reflect a beam of light onto a distant scale. This
innovation drastically reduced moving mass and friction, enabling the
detection of extremely small currents — particularly important in submarine
telegraphy, where signals were faint after traveling thousands of kilometers
through cables.
Later, in the late 19th century, Jacques d’Arsonval introduced the moving-
coil galvanometer, in which the coil moves in a strong permanent
magnetic field and is suspended by fine springs. This design provided a
linear response, high accuracy, and mechanical robustness, and became the
basis for most analog ammeters, voltmeters, and other pointer-type
measuring devices of the 20th century. Although digital instruments have
largely replaced them in everyday use, galvanometers — especially mirror
and moving-coil types — are still employed in precision laboratories,
educational demonstrations, optical scanning systems, and laser positioning
devices.
Application
Galvanometers are used in laboratories to detect null points in bridge
circuits, measure small currents, and, in ballistic form, measure charge
during transient events. With a shunt resistance in parallel, they function as
ammeters; with a high series resistance, they serve as voltmeters. This
project focuses on determining the figure of merit of a moving-coil
galvanometer and calculating the series resistance needed to convert it into
a voltmeter of a chosen range. Using the half-deflection method, the
galvanometer’s resistance is measured, and the figure of merit is applied to
design the conversion, linking theoretical principles to practical
measurement applications.
#Referance NCERT TEXT, NCERT PRACTICALS#
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To convert the given galvanometer (of known resistance and figure of
merit) into a voltmeter of desired range (say 0 to 3 V) and to verify the
same.
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I. A Cell
II. Rheostat
III. Key
IV. Galvanometer
V. Voltmeter(0-3V) & (0-5V)
VI. Resistance Box
VII. Conducting Wires
Item Definition Principle / Additional Technical
Use Data
Battery A device that Converts Voltage depends on the
provides chemical number and type of
electrical energy energy into cells; Internal resistance
through electrical affects current delivery;
electrochemical energy; used Series connection
reactions; can be as a steady increases voltage,
a single cell or power source parallel increases
multiple cells for circuits. current capacity.
connected
together.
Rheostat A variable Varies Wire usually nichrome
resistor for effective or manganin; Rated for
controlling length of a maximum current &
current in a resistive wire; resistance; Used as
circuit. follows Ohm’s current limiter or
law. voltage divider.
Key A mechanical Allows or Made of brass for low
switch to open or interrupts resistance; Should be
close a circuit. current flow; closed only after high
one-way or resistance is set in
two-way sensitive circuits.
designs.
Galvanome Sensitive Based on Figure of merit
ter instrument for deflection of a (A/division) determines
detecting and coil in a sensitivity; Convertible
measuring small magnetic field; to voltmeter or
currents. moving-coil ammeter by adding
type has linear resistances.
scale.
Voltmeter Measures Galvanometer Range depends on
(0–3 V / 0–5 potential with high series resistance;
V) difference across series Higher-range voltmeters
two points. resistance; have more resistance to
connected in protect the coil.
parallel.
Resistance Set of selectable Adjusts circuit Made from
Box known resistance manganin/constantan;
resistances. precisely for Plug-type or dial-type;
experiments. Ranges from ohms to
kilo-ohms; Used in
Ohm’s law, bridges,
calibration.
Conducting Provide low- Connect Usually copper with
Wires resistance path components insulation; Thicker wires
for current flow. with minimal reduce resistance; Short
voltage drop. lengths maintain
accuracy; Stranded
wires add flexibility.
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Principle
scale deflection is I g, then the potential difference across the galvanometer
If the resistance of the galvanometer is G and the current required for full-
at full-scale is:
V g ¿ I g ∙G
To extend the range to measure a higher voltage V 0 , a series resistance R is
connected such that:
V 0 ¿ I g ∙(G+ R)
From this, the required series resistance is:
V0
R= −G
Ig
Where:
V 0 = desired voltage range (0–3 V or 0–5 V in this experiment)
I g = current for full-scale deflection = k =Iθ
k = figure of merit (current per division)
θ= total number of scale divisions on the galvanometer
G = resistance of the galvanometer coil
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Connections are made as shown in the circuit Diagram.
#Circuit Diagram#
Calculate the Value of the Resistance R to be connected in Series
with the Galvanometer for the Given range V.
Connect a resistance box in series with the Galvanometer and
take out the plugs of the Resistance R.
Now the Given Galvanometer is ready for use as a voltmeter of
range V volts.
10. OBSERVATION
Calculation for Series Resistance
Resistance of the Given Galvanometer,
G=bbbbbbbohms
Figure of Merit k= bbbbbbbA/div
Number of Divisions in the Galvanometer Scale, θ= bbbbbbb
Current for Full Scale Deflection,
Ig=θk=bbbbbbbA.
Range of Conversion V= bbbbbbbV
V0
Resistance Placed in Series with Galvanometer, R= −G
Ig
bbbbbohms
VERIFICATION
Connections are made as shown. A and B are the two Ends of the
Rheostat and C is the moving contact of the Rheostat. Take out the
Plugs for the required R from the Resistance Box, close the key and
adjust the movable contact of the rheostat so that the deflection in the
galvanometer is maximum. Note the readings of voltmeter and
galvanometer. For different positions of the moving contact of the
rheostat, note the readings on the voltmeter and Galvanometer and
recorded the Observation.
Galvanometer Reading (Converted
Serial No Voltmeter) Voltmeter Difference
Pd in Volts
V1= θ x L.C.
of Reading (Error)
Deflection
θ (V)
Observati V2(V) V2-V1(V)
ons
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
11. RESULT
As the difference in Actual and Measured value is
Very Small, The Conversion is perfect.
12. CONCLUSION
#Refer From Teacher#
13. REFERANCES