EXPERIMENT NO: 5 Half-Deflection

(This content should be on the ruled side of your journal, with the help of blue
pen only)

Aim: To determine the resistance of galvanometer by Half-deflection method

and find its figure of merit.

Apparatus: Galvanometer, Voltmeter, Battery Eliminator, Two Resistance Boxes,

Rheostat of High Resistance, One Way Key, Screw Gauge, Connecting Wires.

Theory:

The resistance of the given galvanometer as found by half-deflection method

is
RS
G= Ω
R−S

Where, S = Shunt resistance

R= Resistance connected in series with the galvanometer

Figure of merit k:
𝐸
K= (A/Div)
𝑅+𝐺𝜃

Where, E = e.m.f. of battery

R = Resistance offered by R.B.

G = Resistance of galvanometer

θ = Deflection in galvanometer
 The maximum current that can pass through the galvanometer is
Ig = nk

Where, n= No. of division on Galvanometer

Result:

1. Resistance of galvanometer is found to be 91.60 (Ω)

2. Figure of Merit of galvanometer is 5.023 ×10-5 (amp/div)

Precautions:

1. All the connections should be neat, clean and tight.

2. Ensure that the plugs of resistance box are tight.

3. Initially a high resistance from the resistance box should be introduced or

else a small resistance can damage the galvanometer.

Sources of errors:

1. The screws of the instruments may be loose.

2. The plugs of galvanometer may not be tight.

3. The galvanometer divisions may not be of same size.

(This content should be on the blank side of your journal, Table and Diagram with
pencil and readings with pen)

Circuit Diagram:

Fig 1: Circuit for finding Resistance of galvanometer

Fig 2: Circuit for finding figure of merit

Observation Table:

1. Resistance of galvanometer

Sr. Resistance Deflection ‘θ’ Half Shunt S RS

G=
R−S
in Deflection required
No. R
galvanometer θ/2 for half (Ω)
(Ω) (Div) deflection
(Div)
(Ω)

1. 5000 20 10 90 91.64

2. 5100 18 9 90 91.61

3. 5200 16 8 90 91.58

4. 5300 14 7 90 91.55

Mean 91.60

2. Figure of merit:
𝐸
Sr. E.M.F of the Resistance Deflection ‘θ’ K=
𝑅+𝐺𝜃
cell (V) in
No. R (Ω) (A/Div)
galvanometer
(Div)
(×10-5)

1. 2.5 5000 20 2.45

2. 4.5 5200 20 4.25

3. 6.5 5400 20 5.91

4. 8.5 5600 20 7.46

Mean 5.02
Calculations:

Resistance of galvanometer:
RS
G= (Ω)
R−S

5000×90
=
5000−90

=91.64 (Ω)

Figure of merit:
𝐸
K= (A/Div)
𝑅+𝐺𝜃
2.5
= (5000+91.60)20

= 2.45 × 10-5 (A/Div)