Physics Investigatory Project
on
Converting Galvanometer into
Ammeter and Voltmeter
verifying the same
Submitted By
Jatin Manchanda
Class: XII-B
Under the Guidance of
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Choudhary
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya
Lodhi Estate, New Delhi 110003
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INDEX
S. No. Topic Page No.
1. Acknowledgment 2
2. Certificate 3
3. Aim & Requirements 4
4. Theory 5
5. Procedure 9
6. Observations 11
7. Calculations & Result 13
8. Precautions 15
& Sources of Error
9. Bibliography 16
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Rajesh Kumar
Choudhary, Mr. Laxmi Chandra Dhyani, and Ms. Urvashi Tripathi for
their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. Their
insights and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my
understanding and approach to various concepts.
I would also like to acknowledge the resources provided by the Physics
NCERT, which served as a foundational reference for my research. This
project has been a significant learning experience, and I am sincerely
thankful to everyone who contributed to this journey.
Jatin Manchanda
Class: XII B
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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Jatin Manchanda of Class XII B has prepared the
report on the Project entitled “Converting Galvanometer into Voltmeter
and Ammeter”. The report is the result of their efforts & endeavors. The
report is found worthy of acceptance as the final project report for the
subject Physics of Class XII. They have prepared the report under my
guidance.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Choudhary
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya Lodhi Estate,
New Delhi 110003
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Aim
To Convert a Galvanometer into Ammeter and Voltmeter verifying the same
Requirements
1. Galvanometer
2. Ammeter and Voltmeter
3. Resistance Box
4. Battery Eliminator
5. Rheostat
6. Connecting wires and Switches
* IMAGE FOR REFERENCE (exact items were not used for experiment) *
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Theory
1. Galvanometer: An Overview
A galvanometer is a sensitive electrical instrument used to detect and measure small
electric currents. It is typically based on the moving coil principle, where a coil is
suspended in a magnetic field and experiences a torque when current flows through it.
Principle:
When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force. In a
galvanometer, a small rectangular coil is placed between the poles of a powerful magnet. The
current passing through the coil produces a torque, causing the coil (and the attached pointer) to
deflect. The deflection is proportional to the current passing through the coil.
2. Sensitivity of Galvanometer
Sensitivity is a measure of how effectively the galvanometer can detect small currents.
There are two types of sensitivity:
Higher the Current Sensitivity, the more sensitive the galvanometer.
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3. Conversion of Galvanometer into Ammeter
An ammeter is used to measure current in a circuit. Since a galvanometer can only
measure very small currents, it needs to be modified to work as an ammeter for
larger currents.
Basic Idea-
Connect a small resistance called a shunt in parallel with the galvanometer so most
of the current bypasses the galvanometer.
I: Current to be measured
Ig: Full-scale deflection current of galvanometer
Rg: Resistance of galvanometer
S: Required shunt resistance
Then:
The range of the resulting ammeter becomes I, where I>Ig
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4. Conversion of Galvanometer into Voltmeter
A voltmeter measures the potential difference (voltage) across two points in a circuit.
Since a galvanometer is sensitive to small currents, to measure voltage, we need to restrict
the current through it.
Basic Idea-
Connect a high resistance in series with the galvanometer. This limits the current that
flows for a given voltage.
V : Voltage to be measured
Ig : Full-scale deflection current of galvanometer
G : Resistance of galvanometer
Rh : Required high resistance in series
Then:
The maximum voltage that can be measured is:
V=Ig (G+Rh)
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5. Comparison
6. Why Not Use a Galvanometer Directly?
A galvanometer is too sensitive and has moderate resistance, making it unsuitable for
direct current or voltage measurement in most practical circuits. If large current flows
through it, it can damage the instrument. Therefore, it is necessary to convert it into an
ammeter or voltmeter with appropriate resistors.
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Observations
1. Observation Table – Half-Deflection Method (to find G)
2. Calculation of Figure of Merit (K)
Formula:
Figure of Merit K = 1.85 mA/div
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3. Conversion of Galvanometer to Ammeter
Formula Used:
4. Conversion of Galvanometer to Voltmeter
Formula Used:
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Calculations
Laws/Formula used-
1. Ohm's Law: V=IR
2. Shunt Resistance: S= [Link]/I-Ig
3. Series Resistance: Rh= V/Ig - G
4. Figure of Merit: K= V/n.G
5. Full-scale deflection current (Ig): Ig= k.n
Calculations-
1. Figure of Merit (K)= V/n.G
2. Full-Scale Deflection Current (Ig)= k.n
3. Conversion to Ammeter
i) I= 0.6 A
ii) I= 0.3 A
iii) I= 0.15 A
5. Conversion to Voltmeter 14
i) V= 6V
ii) V= 4V
iii) V= 3V
Results
1. Galvanometer Resistance (G) = 90 ohm
2. Figure of Merit (K) = 1.85 mA/div
3. Full Scale Current (Ig) = 0.0222 A
4. Ammeter Shunts= 3.46, 7.19, 15.64 (in ohm)
5. Voltmeter Series resistance= 180.27, 90.18, 45.14 (in V)
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Precautions
1. Ensure that all the connections are tight and correct before switching on the circuit.
2. The galvanometer should always be connected with the correct polarity to avoid damage.
3. Use resistance boxes with clean and properly inserted keys to ensure accurate resistance
values.
4. Handle the galvanometer gently to prevent needle misalignment or internal damage.
5. Switch off the circuit when not taking readings to prevent heating and battery drain.
Sources of Error
1. Slight internal resistance in wires and connections can affect the accuracy of
readings.
2. Tolerance of resistance boxes may introduce small variations in resistance values.
3. Inaccuracy in observing the needle deflection due to scale resolution or parallax
error.
4. External magnetic or electric fields may cause interference with the galvanometer
readings.
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Bibliography