EXPERIMENT- 3

AIM:

To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflec7on method and to find its figure of

merit.

Materials Required:

A ba<ery, galvanometer, two one-way keys, rheostat, connec7ng wires (Copper), a piece of
sandpaper, two resistances boxes.

Theory:

Galvanometer is a sensi7ve device used to detect very low current. Its working is based on
the principle that a coil placed in a uniform magne7c field experiences a torque when an
electric current is set up in it. The deflec7on of the coil is determined by a pointer a<ached
to it, moving on the scale. When a coil carrying current I is placed in a radial magne7c field,
the coil experiences a deflec7on θ which is related to I as
I=kθ
where k is a constant of propor7onality and is termed as figure of merit of the galvanometer.
The figure of merit (k) of the galvanometer is defined as the current required for deflec7ng
the pointer by one division.
k = I/ θ
The resistance of the given galvanometer by half deflec7on method is given by
!"
G = !#"
The figure of merit of the galvanometer is given by
$
k = (!&') *
The maximum current that can pass through the galvanometer, Ig = nk
where n is the total no of dimension on the Galvanometer scale on either side of zero.

Circuit Diagram:
ObservaCons:

E.M.F of the cells or reading of the reading eliminator E(V) = _____________

S. No. Resistance Deflec7on in Shunt Half Galvanometer Figure of

R (ohm) the Resistance Deflec7on Resistance merit
!"
Galvanometer S (ohm) 𝜃/2 G = !#" k=
$
𝜃 (div)
(!&') *
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

CalculaCons for X (unknown resistance):

1. Calcula7on for G
!"
G = !#"
Mean G =

2. Calcula7on for k
$
k = (!&') *
Mean k =

Result:

1. The resistance of the given galvanometer = ________ ohm.

2. The figure of merit of a given galvanometer = _________ A/div.

PrecauCons:

1. All the connec7ons should be neat, clean and 7ght.

2. All the plugs in the resistance box and screw of the instruments should be 7ght.

3. The e.m.f. of Cell or Ba<ery eliminator should be constant.

4. The Galvanometer division must be in equal size.

5. Ini7ally a high resistance from the resistance box (R) should be introduced in the circuit
(otherwise for small resistance an excessive current will flow through the galvanometer or
ammeter can be damaged).

Sources of Error:
1. The Screws of the instruments may be loose.

2. The plugs of Resistance boxes may not be clean.

3. The e.m.f. of Ba<ery may not be constant.

4. The Galvanometer divisions may not be of equal size.