Question

Draw labelled diagram of converting a galvanometer into an ammeter.

Hint:

A shunt resistance in parallel with a galvanometer is used to convert it into an ammeter. The value of the shunt determines the maximum current the ammeter can measure.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the concept.
To convert a galvanometer into an ammeter, we need to modify it so it can measure higher currents. The galvanometer is designed for detecting small currents, so we need to use a method to allow larger currents to flow through it without damaging it.
Step 2: Adding a shunt resistance.
The solution is to add a **shunt resistance** in parallel with the galvanometer. The shunt is a low resistance that allows most of the current to bypass the galvanometer, ensuring that only a small fraction of the current flows through the sensitive galvanometer. This way, the galvanometer can be used to measure large currents without being damaged.
Step 3: The diagram.
The diagram of converting a galvanometer into an ammeter is as follows: \[ \text{[Galvanometer]} \quad \parallel \quad [\text{Shunt Resistance}] \] In this setup: - The galvanometer has a known resistance \( R_g \), - The shunt resistance \( R_s \) is chosen so that the desired range of current can be measured without the current through the galvanometer exceeding its limits.