INDEX

Sl.No. Contents Page No.

1. Topic

2. Introduction

3. Principle and Construction

4. Sensitivity of moving coil

galvanometer

5. Conversion of galvanometer
into voltmeter and ammeter

6. Advantages and
Disadvantages
7. Precautions

8. Conclusion

9. Bibliography
 MOVING COIL
GALVANOMETER
 Introduction

A galvanometer is an electromechanical instrument for detecting and indicating

electric current. A galvanometer works as an actuator, by producing a rotary
deflection (of a “pointer”), in response to electric current flowing through a coil
in a constant magnetic field. Early galvanometers were not calibrated, but their
later developments were used as measuring instruments, called ammeters, to
measure the current flowing through an electric circuit.
Galvanometers developed from the observation that the needle of a magnetic
compass is deflected near a wire that has electric current flowing through it,
was first described by Hans Oersted in 1820. They were the first instruments
used to detect and measure small amounts of electric currents. André-Marie
Ampère, who gave mathematical expression to Oersted’s discovery and named
the instrument after the Italian electricity researcher Luigi Galvani, who in 1791
discovered the principle of the frog galvanoscope – that electric current would
make the legs of a dead frog jerk.
Sensitive galvanometers have been essential for the development of science
and technology in many fields. For example, they enabled long range
communication through submarine cables, such as the earliest Transatlantic
telegraph cables, and were essential to discovering the electrical activity of the
heart and brain, by their fine measurements of current.
 Principle
When a current carrying coil is suspended in a uniform magnetic field it is
acted upon by a torque. Under the action of this torque, the coil rotates and
the deflection in the coil in a moving coil galvanometer is directly proportional
to the current flowing through the coil.
 Construction

It consists of a rectangular coil of thin insulated copper wires having a large

number of turns. The horseshoe magnet has cylindrically concave pole-pieces.
Due to this shape, the magnet produces radial magnetic field so that when coil
rotates in any position its plane is always parallel to the direction of magnetic
field.
The coil is suspended between the poles of a powerful horseshoe magnet by a
suspension fibre of phosphor-bronze. A spring is attached to the other end of
the coil. The current enters the coil through the fibre and leaves the coil
through the spring.
The upper end of the suspension fibre is connected to a rotating screw head so
that the plane of the coil can be adjusted in any desired position.

When current flows through the coil it current flows through the coil it gets
deflected. A soft iron cylinder is fixed inside the coil such that the coil can
rotate freely between the poles and around the cylinder. Due to the high
permittivity, the soft iron core increases the strength of the radial magnetic
field.
A small plane mirror M is fixed to the suspension fibre. This along with lamp
and scale arrangement is used to measure the deflection of the coil.
 Sensitivity of Moving coil Galvanometer

The sensitivity is defined as the ratio of change in deflection of the

galvanometer to the change in current.
A galvanometer is said to be sensitive if it gives larger delection for a small
current. There are two types of sensitivity:
Current Sensitivity
Voltage Sensitivity

How to increase Sensitivity of Moving Coil Galvanometer?

 Number of turns (n) of the coil

 Area of the coil (A)
 Magnetic induction (B)
 Couple per unit twist of the suspension fibre (k)

For greater accuracy, the deflection in the galvanometer should be large for
small current in it.
As the expression of accuracy does not contain the terms n, A, B and k the
accuracy is independent of the number of turns of the coil, the area of thecoil,
the magnetic induction and constant for the spring.
 Conversion of Galvanometer into Voltmeter

Voltmeter is an instrument used to measure potential difference between the

two ends of a current carrying conductor. A galvanometer can be converted
into a voltmeter by connecting a high resistance in series with it. The scale is
calibrated in volt. The value of the resistance connected in series decides the
range of the voltmeter.
 Conversion of Galvanometer into Ammeter

A galvanometer is a device used to detect the flow of current in an electrical

circuit. Even though the deflection is directly proportional to the current, the
galvanometer scale is not marked in ampere. Being a very sensitive instrument,
a large current cannot be passed through the galvanometer, as it may damage
the coil. However, a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter by connecting
a low resistance in parallel with it. As a result, when large current flows in a
circuit, only a small fraction of the current passes through the galvanometer
and the remaining larger portion of the current passes through the low
resistance. The low resistance connected in parallel with the galvanometer is
called shunt resistance.
 Advantages of Moving Coil Galvanometer

 Accuracy: They provide accurate measurements due to their sensitivity

and precise construction.

 Linear Response: The deflection of the coil is directly proportional to the

current passing through it, resulting in a linear response. This feature is
beneficial for accurate measurements.

 Low Power Consumption: Moving coil galvanometers typically consume

very little power, making them suitable for applications where power
efficiency is important.

 Wide Frequency Response: They can measure both direct current (DC)
and alternating current (AC) effectively, providing versatility in various
applications.

 Compact Design: Moving coil galvanometers can be designed in a

compact size, making them suitable for applications with limited space.

 No Hysteresis: Moving coil galvanometers typically do not exhibit

hysteresis, meaning their readings are not affected by the previous
history of the system.

 Durability: With proper construction and materials, these galvanometers

can be durable and withstand regular use in different environments.
 Disadvantages of Moving Coil Galvanometer

 Limited Range: Moving coil galvanometers are designed to measure

small currents, and their range is typically limited. They may not be
suitable for measuring larger currents without the use of external shunt
resistors.

 Inertia: The moving coil has mass and inertia, which means it takes some
time to respond to changes in current. This can result in a delay in the
galvanometer’s indication, especially when measuring rapidly changing
currents.

 Friction and Damping Issues: Friction between the moving parts and the
coil may affect the accuracy and responsiveness of the galvanometer.
Damping mechanisms are often employed to minimize oscillations, but
these can also introduce some errors.

 Accuracy Affected by Magnetic Fields: External magnetic fields can

influence the accuracy of the moving coil galvanometer. It is susceptible
to stray magnetic fields, which can cause deviations in the readings.

 Temperature Sensitivity: The accuracy of the galvanometer can be

affected by changes in temperature. Temperature variations can cause
expansion or contraction of materials, influencing the dimensions and
performance of the instrument.
 Precautions

1. The moving coil galvanometer is a sensitive instrument with delicate

components. Handle it with care to avoid damage or misalignment.
2. Keep the galvanometer away from strong external magnetic fields as
they can interfere with its readings. Ensure a clean and magnetically
neutral environment.
3. Vibrations can affect the accuracy of the galvanometer readings. Place
the instrument on a stable surface and minimize any vibrations in the
surroundings.
4. Maintain a stable temperature environment. Avoid exposure to extreme
temperatures that may cause expansion or contraction of materials,
impacting the performance of the galvanometer.
5. Calibrate the galvanometer regularly to ensure accurate readings.
Perform periodic checks to verify its calibration and functionality.
6. Protect the galvanometer from exposure to water or other liquids.
Moisture can damage the delicate internal components.
7. If converting the galvanometer into a voltmeter or ammeter, follow the
recommended procedures and use appropriate resistances. Incorrect
conversions can lead to inaccurate readings or damage.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, the moving coil galvanometer is a valuable instrument

in electrical measurements, providing accurate and sensitive readings
of small electric currents. Its conversion into voltmeter and ammeter
further extends its versatility in various applications. While it offers
several advantages, including accuracy, linear response, and low
power consumption, there are certain limitations such as a limited
range and susceptibility to external factors.
To ensure reliable and precise measurements with a moving coil
galvanometer, it is essential to follow precautions such as careful
handling, avoiding strong magnetic fields, and maintaining proper
calibration. Regular maintenance and attention to environmental
conditions contribute to the durability and longevity of the
instrument.
Overall, the moving coil galvanometer continues to play a crucial role
in scientific and technological advancements, contributing to the
understanding and measurement of electric currents in diverse fields.
 Bibliography

The above information was taken from:

en.wikipedia.com
study.com
knowledgecycle.in