,

AIM: To determine the resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection method and to find the figure of
merit.

APPARATUS: Galvanometer, battery accumulator of 2V, Resistance box R1 of the range 0 to 10,000 ohms,
Resistance box R2 of the range 0 to 500 ohms, two one way keys & connecting wires.

DIAGRAM:

R1R2
FORMULA USED: Resistance of galvanometer: G = ------- (i)
R1 − R2

The figure of merit of the Galvanometer: It is the current required to produce a unit deflection in the
𝑬 𝟏
galvanometer 𝒌 = × --------- (ii)
𝑹𝟏 +𝑮 𝜽
E
Current in the galvanometer for full scale deflection: ig = -------- (iii)
R +G
'

For conversion of Galvanometer to Ammeter of range (0 to IO):

Where R’ is that value of R1 that gives full scale deflection in the galvanometer.

ig
A low resistance S should be connected in parallel: S= G --------- (iv)
io − ig

For conversion of Galvanometer to Voltmeter of range (0 to VO):

Vo
A high resistance R should be connected in series: R= −G ----------- (v)
ig

7
PROCEDURE:

1. Arrange the circuit with resistance box R1 in series and resistance box R2 in parallel with the
galvanometer as shown in the diagram.
2. Initially key K1 is closed and K2 is open. Adjust the value of resistance R1 such that the galvanometer
gives full scale deflection (30 div).
3. Now close key K2 and adjust the value of resistance R2 such that the galvanometer gives half
deflection (15 div). Use eqn (i) to find the value of G, galvanometer resistance.
4. Repeat the observation by changing R1 so as to ensure an even value of θ in div. You will notice
that, on closing K2, the deflection in the galvanometer gets halved for the same value of R2.
5. Take four more sets of observations and record the observations as detailed in the table.
6. Calculate the galvanometer resistance G and the figure of merit k using eqns (i) & (ii).
7. Eqn (iv) may be used to find the value of the shunt resistance S, to be connected in parallel with the
galvanometer so that it works as an ammeter of desired range.
8. Eqn (v) may be used to find the value of the high resistance R, to be connected in series with the
galvanometer so that it works as a voltmeter of desired range.

OBSERVATIONS:

Resistance Deflection in Resistance in Half Deflection in R1R2 𝑬 𝟏

Serial
in series Galvanometer parallel Galvanometer G= 𝒌= ×
𝑹𝟏 + 𝑮 𝜽
No. R1 − R2
R1(Ω) θ(Div) R2(Ω) θ/2 (Div))
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Mean value of galvanometer resistance G = …….. (Ω)

Mean value of figure of merit k = …….. (Amp/div)

CALCULATIONS:

R1R2
• Galvanometer resistance is calculated for each observation using the formula: G =
R1 − R2
𝑬 𝟏
• The figure of merit of the Galvanometer is calculated according to the formula 𝒌 = ×
𝑹𝟏 +𝑮 𝜽
• Mean value of Galvanometer resistance and the figure of merit is also calculated.

RESULT:

• Resistance of the given Galvanometer as determined by half deflection method is G = ……… Ω.

• Figure of merit of the given galvanometer is k = ……….. Amp/div

Precautions & Sources of Error:

1. All the connections should be neat and tight. All the plugs in the resistance box should be tight.
2. The value of R1 should be large as compared to G.
3. The deflection in galvanometer should be large and should show even number of divisions when k2
is open.