LAB MANUAL PHYSICS-XII

EXPE RIMENT
A9
AIM
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.

APPARATUSAND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A Weston type galvanometer of known resistance and figure of merit, a battery of three cels or.
or a
battery eliminator, a high resistance box of range 0 10 k2, a one-way key, a rheostat of resistanc
200 2 to be used as potential divider arrangement, a voltmeter of 0-3Vrange, connecting wires and
a
piece of sand paper.

WORKING FORMULAE
1. In nis the total number of divisions on either side of the zero mark of the galvanometer and k its
figure of merit, then current required for full scale deflection in the galvanometer is , = nk
2. To convert the galvanometer of resistance Ginto a voltmeter of range 0-V volt, a high resistanceR
is connected in series with it so that only current I, flows through it, as shown in Fig. 6.12. From
Ohm's law,
OI R G
R+G
CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
Battery K

Rh
ww
Voltmeter
R
w

volts
Lo - -

Converted voltmeter

Fig. 6.12 Conversion of galvanometer into a voltmeter. Fig. 6.13 Circuit to verify conversion of galvanometer into a voltmeter.

PROCEDURE
1. Record the values of the resistance G of the galvanometer and its figure of merit k.
2. Count the total number of divisions n on either side of the zero mark of the galvanometer scale.
3. Calculate the current I, required to produce full scale deflection in the galvanometer by using the
relation, I, = nk.

4. For conversion of galvanometer into voltmeter of range (0-V) volt, calculate the value of series
resistance R using the formula,

R G

74
 Chopter 6
GALVANOMETER, AMMETER
:

AND VOLTMETE
5. nect
Connect aa
high resistance box of
h
a
resistance equal to the range 0- 10 K2 in series eter and
introduce

calculated
voltmeter of range (0--V) volt. value of R. The with the
gaia its USe
a
a

ga
ne galvanometer is now ready for

Verification (To check the accuracy of the

6. As shovown in Fig. 6.13, connect a converted voltmeter)
af the rheostat. Here rheostat battery of three cells fixed Aand B terminals

AB through key Kto

a k the
Connect the converted voltmeter andis abeing used as aa potential
potential divider. C is its sliding contact.
divider. and
c. See that the +ve marked standard voltmeter of same range between the points A
voltmeter is connected to the berweAi the rheosta
terminal of the
here the +ve terminal of the ter
7,Note the least counts of the
battery has been connected.
standard voltmeter and that V/n)
of the converted voltmeter
SSee that the resistance equal to the
calculated value of R
box. Insert the plug in the
key K and adjust the sliding has been introduced tro
the galvanometer maximum.
is contact of the rheostat so that
(say 3 V). Simultaneously the voltmeter will also show a mas
9. Note the readings of standard voltmeter and
of the galvanometer scale. Convert the ometer
reading into volts and find the
difference, if any, between the two readings. galva
10. Repeat the experiment three more
times by adjusting the rheostat in different positionis s that
entire range ot converted voltmeter is
covered.

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Step 1. Determination of the series resistance R

Resistance of the given galvanometer, G=

Figure of merit, k = . A div-l
Total number of divisions on either side of zero mark, n=
Current required for full scale deflection, I, nk = =
A

Required range for converted voltmeter, V =_ V

V
Series resistance, R =-G=. 2

Step 2. Verification (To check the accuracy of converted voltmeter)

Least count of the standard voltmeter = V div

Least count of the converted voltmeter, k' V div-

Table 6.5 Verification of the converted voltmeter

Converted voltmeter readings

Standard voltmeter
S.No Potential difference reading V Difference (V
=

-V2)
Deflection V, =k'0 (V)
(divisions) (V)
(V)

75
 LAB MANUAL PHYSICS-XII

RESULT
1. Series resistance R required for conversion of given galvanometer into v o l m e t e r or range 0 to

2. Current required for full scale deflection, A.

I, =,
3. Within the limits of experimental error, the difference (V-V,) is small. So the accuracy of the

converted voltmeter is satisfactorily satisfied.

PRECAUTIONS
I h e standard voltmeter used should have nearly the same range as that required tor converted

voltmeter.
2. The resistance box used should be used of high resistance
3. Low resistance rheostat should be used as potential divider.
4.The exact high resistance (correct to the nearest ohm) equal to the calculated value should be
introduced from the resistance box connected in series with the galvanometer. Only after
introducing the high series resistance, the battery key should be closed to avoid any damage to the
galvanometer.
5. Both the standard and the converted voltmeters should be connected in parallel with the rheostat.
See that the positive marked terminal of the standard voltmeter is connected to the positive
terminal of the battery.
6. Zero error, if any, of the galvanometer should be eliminated or accounted for in the calculations,

SOURCES OF ERROR
1. The divisions marked on the galvanometer scale may not be of equal size.
2. Plugs in the resistance box may be loose or they may not be clean.
3. The emf of the battery may not be constarnt.