To determine resistance of a galvanometer by half-deflection method and to

find its figure of merit

Aim
To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by a half-deflection method and to find its figure of merit.

Apparatus/Materials Required

 A battery
 A Weston type galvanometer
 Two one-way keys
 Rheostat
 Screw gauge
 Metre-scale
 Ammeter
 Connecting wires
 A piece of sandpaper
 Two resistance boxes

Circuit Diagram

Theory:
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=kθ

where k is a constant of proportionality and is termed as figure of merit of the galvanometer.

Observations and Calculations
S.No Resistance Deflection in the Shunt Half Galvanometer
Galvanometer Resistance Deflection Resistance
(1) R
θ S θ/2
(2)
(6)
(3) (4) (5)

1
2
3
Table for the resistance of the galvanometer by half deflection method

S.No Number of e.m.f of the cells or Resistance Deflection θ (div) Figure

cells the reading of the from R.B. of merit
(1) (5)
battery eliminator
(Battery R (ohm)
Eliminator) E(V) (6)
(4)
(2) (3)

1.
2.
3.
4.
The number of divisions in the galvanometer scale, n = _____.

1. Calculation for G

2. The calculation for k

Result
1. The resistance of the given galvanometer = _____ Ω.
2. The figure of merit of a given galvanometer = _____ A/dn.

Precautions
1. All the plugs in the resistance box should be tight.
2. The e.m.f of the cell or battery should be constant
3. High resistance from the resistance box should be introduced in the circuit otherwise excessive current will
flow through the ammeter and it 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 battery may not be constant.
4. The galvanometer divisions may not be of equal