Navrachana school sama

A Project report on, “Finding the

figure of merit
and resistance of a galvanometer and
turning it into a voltmeter
of required range”

Submitted to Mr. Eby P. Kurian

by Sharveya Joglekar,
Class 12th(Science)
Roll No.(CBSE):
Under the
guidance of Mr.
Eby P. Kurian

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Physics Teacher, Mr.
Eby P. Kurien of dept. of chemistry at Navrachana Higher Secondary School
for his guidance and support during the course of the project.

I would also like to thank our Principal, Ms. Suprabha Menon for providing
us the facility for conducting the project work.

Lastly, I would also like to thank my Parents for being my source of

strength.

Sharveya Joglekar

Vadodara

Index:
1.Introduction

2.Theory

3.The Law: Ohm’s Law

4.Apparatus Required

5.Experiments:

Experiment 1.: Finding the Figure of merit and Resistance

of the Galvanometer

Experiment 2.: Using the figure of merit and the

resistance to turn it into a voltmeter

6.Conclusion

7.Bibliography
Introduction: Acquiring the Figure of Merit
and Resistance of a Galvanometer to
Convert it to a Voltmeter of the Required
Range

Transforming a galvanometer into a voltmeter involves acquiring two

essential parameters: the figure of merit (k) and the internal resistance
(Rg). The figure of merit measures the sensitivity of the galvanometer,
which is the current needed for unit deflection. The internal resistance
impacts the total resistance when converted to a voltmeter.

To determine the figure of merit, the galvanometer is connected in

series with a known resistor and a variable voltage source. Adjusting the
voltage and measuring deflections allow the calculation of current using
Ohm's law. The figure of merit is derived from the ratio of current to
deflection.

The internal resistance is measured using a Wheatstone bridge or similar

method, ensuring accuracy without affecting sensitivity. Once these
parameters are obtained, a high resistance (multiplier resistance) is
added in series with the galvanometer. The value of this resistance is
calculated based on the desired voltage range using the formula:

By adding the correct series resistance, the galvanometer is transformed

into a voltmeter, extending its utility in measuring different voltage
ranges.
Theory

A galvanometer is an instrument used to detect and measure small

electric currents. It consists of a coil of wire suspended in a magnetic
field. When a current passes through the coil, it experiences a torque
proportional to the current, causing the coil to deflect. The deflection is
measured by a needle or pointer, providing a visual indication of the
current.
To convert a galvanometer into a voltmeter, it is necessary to determine
two critical parameters: the figure of merit (k) and the internal resistance
(Rg). The figure of merit is defined as the current required to produce a
unit deflection in the galvanometer. It is a measure of the sensitivity of
the galvanometer and is given by:

where ‘I’ is the current and θ(theta) is the deflection.

The internal resistance (Rg) is the resistance of the coil inside the
galvanometer. It can be measured using a Wheatstone bridge or other
precise methods that do not affect the sensitivity of the galvanometer.
Once these parameters are known, the galvanometer can be converted
into a voltmeter by adding a high resistance (Rs) in series with it. This
series resistance is called the multiplier resistance and is calculated
based on the desired voltage range (Vmax) and the galvanometer's
parameters using the formula:

The added resistance increases the overall resistance of the circuit,

allowing the galvanometer to measure higher voltages. The modified
instrument now operates as a voltmeter, with the deflection of the
needle corresponding to the voltage across the terminals.
The Law:
Ohm's Law

Ohm's law is a fundamental principle in the field of electrical engineering

and physics, named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm. It
states that the current passing through a conductor between two points
is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely
proportional to the resistance of the conductor. Mathematically, Ohm's
law is expressed as:

where V is the voltage (potential difference), I is the current, and R is the

resistance. This relationship implies that for a given resistance, if the
voltage increases, the current also increases proportionally, and vice
versa. Ohm's law is crucial for analyzing and designing electrical circuits,
as it provides a straightforward method to calculate one of the three key
variables (voltage, current, resistance) when the other two are known. It
forms the foundation for understanding more complex electrical
phenomena and is widely used in both theoretical studies and practical
applications.
Apparatus Required
To acquire the figure of merit and resistance of a galvanometer and
convert it into a voltmeter of the required range, you will need the
following apparatus:
1. Galvanometer: The primary instrument to be converted into a
voltmeter.
2. Ammeter: To measure the current flowing through the circuit.
3. Known Resistor: A resistor with a precise and known resistance
value.
4. Variable Voltage Source: To provide adjustable voltage for the
measurements.
5. Rheostat: To vary the resistance and control the current in the
circuit.
6. Wheatstone Bridge: For accurate measurement of the internal
resistance of the galvanometer.
7. High Resistance (Multiplier Resistance): To be added in series with
the galvanometer for the conversion.
8. Connecting Wires: To connect the components in the circuit.
9. Multimeter: To measure voltage, current, and resistance as needed.
10. Switch
11. Power Supply

These components will enable you to determine the necessary

parameters and successfully convert the galvanometer into a voltmeter
with the desired range.
The Experiments:

EXPERIMENT 1 : Find the figure of merit and resistance of

Galvanometer
• Apparatus: A galvanometer, two resistance boxes,
battery/ battery eliminator, connecting wires.
•

• Theory: The resistance of the galvanometer is found

from the values of R and S, using the formula: G=R S /(R -
S )Where R is the (high) resistance connected in series
with the galvanometer and S is the shunt resistance,
connected parallel to the galvanometer. Figure of merit of
the galvanometer is calculated using the relation, k=E / (R
+ G) • Where E is the e.m.f of the cell.
• Procedure:
1. Arrange the apparatus accordingly, with reference to
the circuit diagram.
2. Take some high resistance from the high resistance box
R. Keep the key open and adjust R so that the galvanometer
shows some deflection with even divisions. Note the values
of R and the deflection Q.
3. Insert the key and without changing R, adjust the shunt
S so that the galvanometer shows exactly half divisions. i.e.,
Q / 2 . Note the value of S.
4. Repeat the steps 3-4 times by taking different values of
R. Find the average value of G and k.
5. Find the value of lg by using the formulae lg = NK N =
total no. of divisions on either side of the galvanometer lg =
1 needed to produce one full scale deflection in
galvanometer.
Observation Table:

Sr Resistance( Shunt Deflection Half- Galvanometer

K
in
resistanc deflecti resistance
galvanomet
. R) on
e (S)
N er ( )

o
X10-5

1 9000 109 12 6 107.09 1.8

2

2 7500 110 14 7 108.40 1.8

7

3 6500 109 16 8 107.20 1.9

0

Conclusion: The figure of merit (K)=

1.87x10-5The resistance of the galvanometer, G
= 107.56
 EXPERIMENT 2: To convert the given galvanometer (of
known resistance and figure of merit) into a voltmeter of
desired range and to verify the same.

• Apparatus: A galvanometer, a voltmeter, battery, low

resistance box, high resistance box, 2 one-way keys, a
rheostat and connecting wires.
• Theory: A galvanometer is an ideal device that is
capable of
detecting even the weakest electric currents in an electric
circuit. It features a coil suspended or pivoted between
concave pole faces of a strong laminated horseshoe
 magnet. The galvanometer shows the deflection when an
electric current is passed through the coil. The deflection is
directly proportional to the current passed. A voltmeter is
an instrument used for estimating the electrical potential
difference between 2 points in an electric circuit.
•

• Theory: A galvanometer is an ideal device that is

capable of

detecting even the weakest electric currents in an electric

circuit. It features a coil suspended or pivoted between
concave pole faces of a strong laminated horseshoe
magnet. The galvanometer shows the deflection when an
electric current is passed through the coil. The deflection is
 directly proportional to the current passed. A voltmeter is
an instrument used for estimating the electrical potential
difference between 2 points in an electric circuit.

• Procedure:
i. Calculate value of R to be connected in series with
galvanometer. R=5000 Q

ii. Calculate least count of converted voltmeter

LC=V/N
=0.1 V/div
N=number of divisions in galvanometer
V-desired range of potential difference

iii. Connect the positive terminal of battery to lower fixed

terminal of rheostat and also connect voltmeter to same
terminal of rheostat and from the same end connect
galvanometer's positive terminal.
iv. The negative terminal of galvanometer needs to be
connected to a terminal of high resistance box.
V. Connect the other terminal of resistance box to the
variable of rheostat, connect positive terminal of
voltmeter to the same variable terminal
vi. Make another connection from rheostat's lower
terminal to one terminal of the one-way key, connect
other terminal of k to negative terminal of battery
eliminator.
vii. Make sure you have taken out plugs of calculated
resistance R from low resistance box connected in series
to galvanometer
viii. Adjust the rheostat so deflection is galvanometer is
maximum (rheostat acts as potential divider). Note the
galvanometer and voltmeter readings

V(V1) G(V2) (V2 – V1)

1 10x0.1 0
=1
2 20x0.1 0
=2
1.5 15x0.1 0
=1.5

Result:

(i) Current Ig for full scale deflection= A

(ii) The value of High Resistance required to convert
givenGalvanometer into Voltmeter of required
(0 – 3 V)range= Ω
 (iii) The % error is negligible and the conversion is
verified

In conclusion, the process of finding the figure of merit and

resistance of a galvanometer, and subsequently converting
it into a voltmeter of a required range, underscores the
fundamental principles of electrical measurement. By
accurately determining the galvanometer's resistance and
figure of merit, we can precisely adjust it to function as a
voltmeter, thereby extending its utility for measuring
different voltage ranges. This transformation not only
enhances the versatility of the instrument but also
demonstrates the practical application of theoretical
knowledge in electrical engineering. Understanding and
implementing these steps is crucial for the effective design
and use of measurement tools in various scientific and
technical fields.
Bibliography:

NCERT Class 12 Textbook (Physics)

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