EXPERIMENT – 4

AIM: To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to find its figure of
merit.
APPARATUS: A moving coil galvanometer, a battery or a battery eliminator (0 - 6 V), one resistance box (RBOX
1)of range 0 - 10 kΩ, one resistance box (RBOX 2) of range 0 - 200 Ω, two one-way keys, voltmeter, connecting
wires and a piece of sand paper.
PRINCIPLE: Galvanometer is a sensitive device used to detect very low current. Its working is based on the
principle that a coil placed in a uniform magnetic field experiences a torque when an electric current is set up in it.
The deflection of the coil is determined by a pointer attached to it, moving on the scale. When a coil carrying
current, I is placed in a radial magnetic field, the coil experiences a deflection θ which is related to I as –

𝑰 = 𝒌 𝜽 ----(i)
where k is a constant of proportionality and is termed as figure of merit of the galvanometer.
The circuit arrangement required for finding the resistance G of the galvanometer by half deflection method is
shown in Figure –

When a resistance R is introduced in the circuit, the current Ig flowing through it is given by –
𝑬
𝑰𝒈 = ----(ii)
𝑹+𝑮
In this case, the key K2 is kept open. Here E is the emf of battery, G is the resistance of the galvanometer whose
resistance is to be determined.
If the current Ig produces a deflection θ in the galvanometer, then from equation (i) we get –
𝑰𝒈 = 𝒌 𝜽 ----(iii)
Combining equation (ii) and (iii) we can write –
𝑬
𝒌𝜽= ----(iv)
𝑹+𝑮
On keeping both the keys K1 and K2 closed and by adjusting the value of shunt resistance S, the deflection of the
galvanometer needle becomes ½ (half). As G and S are in parallel combination and R in series with it, the total
resistance of the circuit –
𝑮𝑺
𝑹′ = 𝑹 + ----(v)
𝑮+𝑺
The total current, I due to the emf E in the circuit is given by –
𝑬
𝑰= 𝑮𝑺 -----(vi)
𝑹+𝑮+𝑺
If 𝐼𝑔′ is the current through the galvanometer of resistance G, then
𝐺𝐼𝑔′ = 𝑆(𝐼 − 𝐼𝑔′ )
𝑰𝑺
or 𝑰′𝒈 = -----(vii)
𝑮+𝑺
Substituting the value of I from Equation (vi), in equation (vii) the current 𝐼𝑔′ is given by –
𝑰𝑺 𝑬 𝑺
𝑰′𝒈 = = .
𝑮 + 𝑺 𝑹 + 𝑮𝑺 𝑮 + 𝑺
𝑮+𝑺
𝑬𝑺
Or, 𝑰′𝒈 = -----(viii)
𝑹(𝑮+𝑺)+𝑮𝑺
 𝜽
For galvanometer current 𝐼𝑔′ , if the deflection through the galvanometer is reduced to half of its initial value = then
𝟐
–
𝜽 𝑬𝑺
𝑰′𝒈 = 𝒌 =
𝟐 𝑹(𝑮+𝑺)+𝑮𝑺
𝑰𝒈 𝑬 𝑹(𝑮+𝑺)+𝑮𝑺
On dividing (ii) by (viii) = × =𝟐
𝑰′𝒈 𝑹+𝑮 𝑬𝑺
Or, 𝐑(𝐆 + 𝐒) + 𝐆𝐒 = 𝟐 𝐒 (𝐑 + 𝐆)
Or, RG = RS + GS
or, G (R – S) = RS
𝑹𝑺
or, 𝑮 = -----(ix)
(𝑹−𝑺)
By knowing the values of R and S, the galvanometer resistance G can be determined. Normally R
is chosen very high (~ 10 kΩ) in comparison to S (~ 100 Ω) for which 𝑮 ≈ 𝑺.
The figure of merit (𝒌) of the galvanometer is defined as the current required for deflecting the pointer by one
𝑰
division. That is 𝒌 = ----(X)
𝜽
For determining the figure of merit of the galvanometer the key K2 is opened in the circuit arrangement.
Using Eqs. (ii) and (iii) the figure of merit of the galvanometer is given by –
𝑬
𝒌= ---- (xi)
(𝑹+𝑮)𝜽
By knowing the values of E, R, G and θ the figure of merit of the galvanometer can be calculated.
EXPERIMENTAL DATA:
Emf of the battery E = 2 V
Number of divisions on full scale of galvanometer = 30
Table: 1 Resistance of galvanometer
Serial High Deflection in Shunt Half deflection 𝑹𝑺 𝑬
𝑮= 𝒌=
no. Resistance the Resistance in the galvanometer (𝑹 − 𝑺) (𝑹 + 𝑮)𝜽
R (Ω) galvanometer S (Ω) θ/2 (Ω)
θ (divisions) (divisions)

CALCULATIONS:
Mean value of G (resistance of galvanometer) =
Mean value of k (figure of merit of galvanometer) =

. RESULT:
1. Resistance of galvanometer by half deflection method, G =
2. Figure of merit of galvanometer, k =
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Key K1 should be inserted only after high value of R has been taken out from resistance box
otherwise galvanometer coil may burn.
2. Adjust R such that deflection in galvanometer is of even division so that θ/2 is more
conveniently obtained.
3. Emf of the battery should be constant.
4. Use as high values of R as practically possible. This ensures correct value of G.
5. All the connections and plugs in the resistance box should be tight.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. Plugs in the resistance boxes may be loose or they may not be clean.
2. The emf of the battery may not be constant.
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