J.B.

Diamonds & KARP Impex Vidya Sankul

Opp. Diamond Nagar, B/H Thakor Dwar Farm, Surat - Kamrej Road, Laskana
Phone No: 9228025712, Email id: [email protected]
Web: www.jbkarpschool.ac.in
CBSE-English Medium

This is certify that Mr.\Miss. DHRUVI GOTI is a student of J. B. Diamonds

& KARP Impex Vidya Sankul, who has successfully completed the project work
on title “GALVANOMETER” , in PHYSICS (042) assigned to him\her as a part of
SSCE curriculum during the academic year 2024-25.
We found him\her very sincere, hardworking and disciplined girl\boy.
We wish all the success for his\her future endeavors.

…………………………………………… ……………………………………………….
(Signature of the Internal Examiner) (Signature of the External Examiner)

…………………………………
(Signature of Principal)
 “GALVANOMETER”
A PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED BY
DHRUVI GOTI
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
SSCE – 2024-25
IN
PHYSICS (042)
AT

J.B. DIAMONDS & KARP IMPEX VIDYA SANKUL

SCHOOL
LASKANA, KAMREJ ROAD, SURAT
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to

my Physics teacher Mr. Rutvik Mangukiya sir as well as
our principal Mr. Gaurang Patel Sir who gave me the
golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the
topic (Galvanometer), which also helped me in doing a
lot of Research and I came to know about so many new
things while making this project.
Secondly, I would also like to thank my parents and
friends who helped me a lot in finalizing this project
within the limited time frame. I am making this project
not only for marks but also to increase my knowledge.
This project will be remarkable for my career in the field
of Physics.
CONTENTS
❖ Objective
❖ Principle
❖ Construction
❖ Working
❖ Sensitivity of Galvanometer
❖ Application of Galvanometer
❖ Conversion of Galvanometer into
Voltmeter
❖ Conversion of Galvanometer into
Ammeter
❖ Advantage of Moving Coil
Galvanometer
❖ Disadvantage of Moving Coil
Galvanometer
❖ Conclusion
❖ Precaution
❖ Bibliography
To study the basic schematic structure of a
moving coil galvanometer and the basic
process underlying the conversion of a
moving coil galvanometer into an ammeter
and a voltmeter
A galvanometer is an electromechanical instrument for detecting
and indicating electric current.
A galvanometer works as an actuator, by producing a rotary
deflection (of a “pointer”), in response to electric current flowing
through a coil in a constant magnetic field.
Early galvanometers were not calibrated, but their later
developments were used as measuring instruments, called
ammeters, to measure the current flowing through an electric
circuit.
Galvanometers developed from the observation that the needle of
a magnetic compass is deflected near a wire that has electric
current flowing through it, first described by Hans Oersted in
1820.
They were the first instruments used to detect and measure small
amounts of electric currents.
André-Marie Ampère, who gave mathematical expression
to Oersted’s discovery and named the instrument after the Italian
electricity researcher Luigi Galvani, who in 1791 discovered the
principle of the frog galvanoscope – that electric current would
make the legs of a dead frog jerk.
Sensitive galvanometers have been essential for the development
of science and technology in many fields. For example, they
enabled long range communication through submarine cables,
such as the earliest Transatlantic telegraph cables, and were
essential to discovering the electrical activity of the heart and
brain, by their fine measurements of current.
The Principle of moving coil galvanometer is based on the
interaction between a magnetic field and a current-carrying coil.
The galvanometer consists of a lightweight coil of wire suspended
within the field of a permanent magnet.
When an electric current flow through the coil, it experiences a
torque due to the magnetic force acting on it, according to
Ampere’s law. This torque causes the coil to rotate, and the
degree of rotation is directly proportional to the current passing
through the coil.
To measure this rotation, a thin pointer attached to the coil
indicates the current on a calibrated scale.
The sensitivity of the moving coil galvanometer can be adjusted by
varying factors such as the strength of the magnetic field or the
number of turns in the coil.
This instrument is widely used in applications where precise
current measurements are essential, such as in laboratories and
electrical testing environments.
It consists of a rectangular coil of thin insulated copper wires
having a large number of turns.
The horseshoe magnet has cylindrically concave pole-pieces. Due
to this shape, the magnet produces radial magnetic field so that
when coil rotates in any position its plane is always parallel to the
direction of magnetic field.
When current flows through the coil it gets deflected. A soft iron
cylinder is fixed inside the coil such that the coil can rotate freely
between the poles and around the cylinder. Due to the high
permittivity, the soft iron core increases the strength of the radial
magnetic field.
Let a current I flow through the rectangular coil of (N) number of turns
and a cross-sectional area (A). When this coil is placed in a uniform
radial magnetic field (B), the coil experiences a torque (τ).
Let us first consider a single turn ABCD of the rectangular coil having a
length (l) and breadth (b). This is suspended in a magnetic field of
strength B, such that the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field.
Since the sides AB and DC are parallel to the direction of the magnetic
field, they do not experience any effective force due to the magnetic
field. The sides AD and BC being perpendicular to the direction of the
field, experience an effective force F given by F = Bil
Using Fleming’s left-hand rule, we can determine that the forces on AD
and BC are in opposite directions to each other. When equal and
opposite forces F called couple acts on the coil, it produces a torque.
This torque causes the coil to deflect.
We know that torque τ = Force x Perpendicular distance between the
forces
τ=F×b
Substituting the value of F, we already know,
Torque τ acting on single-loop ABCD of the coil = BIl × b
Where lx b is the area A of the coil,
Hence, the torque acting on N turns of the coil is given by
τ = NIAB
The magnetic torque thus produced causes the coil to rotate, and the
phosphor bronze strip twists. In turn, the spring S attached to the coil
produces a counter torque or restoring torque kΦ, which results in a
steady angular deflection.
Under an equilibrium condition,
KΦ = NIAB
Here, k is called the torsional constant of the spring (restoring a couple
per unit twist). The deflection or twist Φ is measured as the value
indicated on a scale by a pointer which is connected to the suspension
wire.
Unit of torsional constant is Nm/Radian.
Φ= (N AB / k)I
Therefore, Φ ∝ I
The quantity NAB / k is a constant for a given galvanometer. Hence, it is
understood that the deflection that occurs in the galvanometer is directly
proportional to the current that flows through it.
 A galvanometer is said to be sensitive if it produces large
deflection for a small current.
There are two types of sensitivity:
1. Current Sensitivity
The current sensitivity of a galvanometer is defined
as the deflection produced when unit current passes
through the galvanometer.
Φ/I = NAB/K

2. Voltage Sensitivity
Voltage sensitivity is defined as the deflection per
unit voltage.
Φ/v = (NAB / k).1/R

How to increase Sensitivity of Moving Coil Galvanometer?

Following are the parameters which help in increasing sensitivity of

moving coil galvanometer:
• Number of turns (N) of the coil
• Area of the coil (A)
• Magnetic induction (B)
• Couple per unit twist of the suspension fibre (k)
Applications of

The moving coil galvanometer is a highly sensitive instrument due to

which it can be used to detect the presence of current in any given
circuit.
If a galvanometer is connected in a Wheatstone’s bridge circuit, the
pointer in the galvanometer shows null deflection, i.e., no current flows
through the device.
The pointer deflects to the left or right depending on the direction of the
current.

The galvanometer can be used to measure:

a) The value of current in the circuit by connecting it in parallel to low
resistance.
b) The voltage by connecting it in series with high resistance.
Conversion of
galvanometer into

Voltmeter is an instrument used to measure potential difference

between the two ends of a current carrying conductor.
A galvanometer can be converted into a voltmeter by connecting a
high resistance in series with it. The scale is calibrated in volt.
The value of the resistance connected in series decides the range
of the voltmeter.
Conversion of
galvanometer into

A galvanometer is a device used to detect the flow of current in an

electrical circuit.
Even though the deflection is directly proportional to the current,
the galvanometer scale is not marked in ampere.
Being a very sensitive instrument, a large current cannot be
passed through the galvanometer, as it may damage the coil.
However, a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter by
connecting a low resistance in parallel with it.
As a result, when large current flows in a circuit, only a small
fraction of the current passes through the galvanometer and the
remaining larger portion of the current passes through the low
resistance.
The low resistance connected in parallel with the galvanometer is
called shunt resistance.
Strong magnetic field cannot affect the moving coil galvanometer.

The ratio of torque to weight is high.

The scales used are uniform.

The results obtained are reliable and accurate.

Change in restoring torque is a result of change in temperature.

It is not easy to change restoring torque.

Helical restoring spring might get damaged due to severe stress.

Moving coil galvanometer can be used only for the measurement

of direct current
Conclusion
In conclusion, the moving coil galvanometer is a valuable
instrument in electrical measurements, providing accurate and
sensitive readings of small electric currents.
Its conversion into voltmeter and ammeter further extends its
versatility in various applications. While it offers several
advantages, including accuracy, linear response, and low
power consumption, there are certain limitations such as a
limited range and susceptibility to external factors.
To ensure reliable and precise measurements with a moving
coil galvanometer, it is essential to follow precautions such as
careful handling, avoiding strong magnetic fields, and
maintaining proper calibration. Regular maintenance and
attention to environmental conditions contribute to the durability
and longevity of the instrument.
Overall, the moving coil galvanometer continues to play a
crucial role in scientific and technological advancements,
contributing to the understanding and measurement of electric
currents in diverse fields.
The moving coil galvanometer is a sensitive instrument
with delicate components. Handle it with care to avoid
damage or misalignment.

Keep the galvanometer away from strong external

magnetic fields as they can interfere with its readings.
Ensure a clean and magnetically neutral environment.

Vibrations can affect the accuracy of the galvanometer

readings. Place the instrument on a stable surface and
minimize any vibrations in the surroundings.

Maintain a stable temperature environment. Avoid

exposure to extreme temperatures that may cause
expansion or contraction of materials, impacting the
performance of the galvanometer.

Calibrate the galvanometer regularly to ensure accurate

readings. Perform periodic checks to verify its calibration
and functionality.

Protect the galvanometer from exposure to water or other

liquids. Moisture can damage the delicate internal
components.

If converting the galvanometer into a voltmeter or

ammeter, follow the recommended procedures and use
appropriate resistances. Incorrect conversions can lead to
inaccurate readings or damage.
• google.com

• wikipedia.com

• https://study.com/

• https://www.electricalmaker.com/

• https://byjus.com/

• Class notes