Question: How can a magnetic field produce a current? Part P- 1: The Galvanomete

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Question: How can a magnetic field produce a current? Part P- 1: The Galvanometer Previously, you have used the built in functions of digital multimeters to serve as a voltmeter or ammeter. In those cases you learned how to avoid damaging the equipment before you started the lab. Therefore, before starting this lab let's investigate how a galvanometer works. A galvanometer is shown in the picture to the right. The galvanometer is designed to measure miniscule values of current and because of that many galvanometers do not have units on their face. Why would it be advantageous, to measure miniscule measure levels of current in this lab. Explain your answer with your knowledge of physics and justify your answer based on what you will be asked to do in this lab. 1. 2. What kind of measurement issues could you have when using a galvanometer? Consider how fast small levels of current might change. Make sure you explain your answer. 3. How could you damage your galvanometer and how could you avoid this? Explain your

Explanation / Answer

1. Measuring the miniscule level of changes is the current allows us to know the changes going on in the circuit and helps us prevent the damage as a result of them.

2. Galvanometer is very sensitive instrument, so it can't be used to measure heavy currents in any circuit.

3. When galvanometer is used to measure heavy current in the circuit, it can be damaged. To avoid this, it is converted to ammeter by placing a low resistance called the 'shunt' in parallel with the galvanometer. The shunt resistance is so chosen, so that most of the current passes through it, hence not damaging the galvanometer along with aiding in measurement of heavy currents.

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