Aim of the Experiment

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

Apparatus Required
 a Weston type galvanometer  two one-way keys
 a voltmeter  a screw gauge
 a battery or battery eliminator  an ammeter of a given range
 a rheostat  a meter scale
 two resistance boxes  connecting wires and a piece of sand paper

Theory
The resistance G of a galvanometer, by half deflection method, is given by
RS
G=
R−S
Where R is resistance from resistance Box (R.B) and S is shunt resistance
The figure of merit is (k ) of the galvanometer is given by
E 1
k =( )
R+G θ
Where E is emf of the cell or battery, R is the resistance from the resistance box, G is the resistance of galvanometer and
θ is deflection in the galvanometer

Circuit Diagram

Procedure
1. Resistance of galvanometer by half deflection method:
(a) Apparatus is arranged in the same manner as shown in circuit diagram.
(b) All connections and the resistance box are tightened.
(c) A 5000 Ω plug from resistance box is removed and K1 is connected, keeping K2 opened.
(d) R is adjusted such that the deflection is maximum.
(e) Let θ be the deflection
(f) Now K2 is inserted, keeping value of R constant, the value of S is maintained, such that deflection
in the galvanometer is half of θ i.e., θ/2
(g) Record the value of θ, R and S used in observation table.
(h) The process is repeated 4 times using different values of R and adjusting S.
2. Figure of Merit
(a) Let the voltage of battery eliminator be E.
(b) R is adjusted for which in closed condition of the circuit, the deflection is θ.
(c) The value of R and corresponding deflection θ is recorded in observation table.
(d) Figure of merit is calculated using data in the table observed.
Observations
TABLE FOR RESISTANCE OF GALVANOMETER BY HALF DEFLECTION METHOD
Resistance Galvanometer Mean G
R (ohm) Deflection in Shunt Half resistance (ohm)
galvanometer resistance S deflection RS
Sl no. (θ) (ohm) θ/2 G=
R−S

1 6000 26 160 13 164.39

2 6500 24 160 12 164.04
163.87
3 7100 22 160 11 163.69
4 7800 20 160 10 163.35

The emf of the cell/battery, E= 2 volts

Sl. No Resistance R Ω Deflection in the Gigure of merit Mean Figure of
galvanometer θ E 1 merit
k =( )
R+G θ
(A/div)
−4
1 6000 26 0.124 X 10
−4 −4
2 6500 24 0.125 X 10 0.125 X 10
−4
3 7100 22 0.125 X 10
−4
4 7800 20 0.125 X 10

Result
Resistance of galvanometer is= 163.87 Ω
The figure of merit of galvanometer is = 0.125 X 10−4 A/div
Precautions
(a) All the connections should be neat, clean and tight.
(b) All the plugs in resistance boxes should be tight.
(c) The e.m.f. of cell or battery should be constant.
(d) Initially a high resistance from the resistance box (R) should be introduced in the circuit
(otherwise for small resistance an excessive current will flow through the galvanometer or
ammeter can be damaged).
Sources of error
(a) The screws of the instruments may be loose.
(b) The plugs of resistance boxes may not be clean.
(c) The e.m.f. of battery may not be constant.
(d) The galvanometer divisions may not be of equal size