Question

What is meant by current sensitivity of a galvanometer? Mention the factors on which it depends.

Answer 1

Current Sensitivity of a Galvanometer

Current sensitivity of a galvanometer refers to the amount of deflection of the galvanometer needle per unit of current flowing through it. In other words, it measures how effectively the galvanometer can detect small currents. The sensitivity is usually expressed in terms of degrees per microampere.

The factors on which the current sensitivity of a galvanometer depends are:

• The number of turns in the coil: More turns increase the torque acting on the coil for a given current, thereby increasing sensitivity.
• The area of the coil: A larger coil area exposed to the magnetic field increases the torque for the same current.
• The strength of the magnetic field: Stronger magnetic fields result in greater torque on the coil.
• The torsional constant of the suspension wire: A lower torsional constant allows for more significant deflection at lower currents.