Moving Coil Galvanometer

A PROJECT REPORT IN PHYSICS (042) SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENTOF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPLETION OF

AISSCE 2024-2025
BY
G.PHILIP
AISSCE Roll No:……………………………..

Under the supervision of

Mr.R.NAMACHIVAYAM
PGT Physics
JAIRAM PUBLIC SCHOOL
CBSE-SENIOR SECONDARY,
Chinnathirupathi (Po),
Salem, Tamilnadu
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 JAIRAM PUBLIC SCHOOL
CBSE-SENIOR SECONDARY,
Chinnathirupathi (Po), Salem-636008

CERTIFICATION

This Project entitled Moving Coil Galvanometer is the

investigatory project work in Physics (042), successfully completed by
Master, G.PHILIP student of class XII, Jairam Public School, Salem,
with AISSCE Roll NO.…………………under the supervision of
Mr. R. Namachivayam (PGT Physics), for the partial fulfillment of
requirements for the course completion in pursuance of
AISSCE 2024-2025.

…………………… ..…..………………

Teacher In-charge Principal

……………………

Practical Examiner School Stamp

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have taken effect in this project. However it would not have

been possible without the kind support and help of many individual.

I would like Principal sir, Mr. Paul Francis Xavier and school
for providing me with facilities required to do my project.

I am highly indebted to my Physics Teacher,

Mr.R.Namachivayam, for his invaluable guidance which has
sustained my efforts in all these stages of this project work.

I would also like to thanks my parents for their continuous

support and encouragement.

My thanks and appreciation also goes to my fellow classmates

and to the people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

G.PHILIP
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 INDEX

S.NO CONTENT PAGE

NO.

1 CERTIFICATION 2

2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3

3 OBJECTIVE 5

4 INTRODUCTION 6

5 PRINCIPLE 7

6 CONSTRUCTION 8

7 SENSITIVITY OF GALVANOMENTER 9

8 CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER 11
INTO VOLTMETER

9 CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER 12
INTO VOLT AMMTER

10 ADVANTAGE OF GALVANOMETER 13

11 DISADVANTAGE OF GALVANOMETER 14

12 PRECATION 15

13 CONCULTION 16

14 BIBLIOGRAPHY 17

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 OBJECTIVE

To study about the Moving Coil Galvanometer

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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 isdeflected near a wire that has electric current
flowing through it, 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.

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Principle

The Principle of moving coil galvanometer is based on the

interaction between a magnetic field and a current-carrying coil. The
galvanometer consists of a lightweight coil of wire suspended within
the field of a permanent magnet. When an electric current flow
through the coil, it experiences a torque due to the magnetic force
acting on it, according to Ampere’s law. This torque causes the coil to
rotate, and the degree of rotation is directly proportional to the current
passing through the coil. To measure this rotation, a thin pointer
attached to the coil indicates the current on a calibrated scale.

The sensitivity of the moving coil galvanometer can be

adjusted by varying factors such as the strength of the magnetic field
or the number of turns in the coil. This instrument is widely used in
applications where precise current measurements are essential, such
as in laboratories and electrical testing environments.

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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.
When current flows through the coil it current flows through the coil
it gets deflected. A 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.

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Sensitivity of Galvanometer

The current sensitivity of a galvanometer is defined as the

deflection produced when unit current passes through the
galvanometer. A galvanometer is said to be sensitive if it produces
large deflection for a small current.

Where:

 θ = Deflection produced (in radians)

 I = Current passing through the galvanometer (in amperes)
 B = Magnetic field strength (in Tesla)
 A = Area of the coil (in square meters)
 K = Spring constant (in N·m/rad)

There are two types of sensitivity:

1. Current Sensitivity

Where:

 S = Current sensitivity (in rad/A)

 B = Magnetic field strength (in Tesla)
 A = Area of the coil (in m²)
 k = The spring constant (in N·m/rad)

2. Voltage Sensitivity

Where:

 SI = Current sensitivity of the galvanometer (in radians per ampere)

 Rg = Resistance of the galvanometer (in ohms)

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How to increase Sensitivity of Moving Coil Galvanometer?

Following are the parameters which help in increasing 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)

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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.

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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.

Where:

 G= Internal resistance of the galvanometer (in ohms)

 Imax = Maximum current that the ammeter can measure
 Ig = Full-scale deflection current of the galvanometer (in amperes)

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Advantage 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.

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Disadvantage of Moving Coil Galvanometer:

The moving coil galvanometer is a sensitive instrument used for

detecting and measuring small electric currents. However, like any
device, it has its disadvantages. Here are some disadvantages of a
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.

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Precaution:

 The moving coil galvanometer is a sensitive instrument with

delicate components. Handle it with care to avoid damage or
misalignment.

 Keep the galvanometer away from strong external magnetic

fields as they can interfere with its readings. Ensure a clean and
magnetically neutral environment.

 Vibrations can affect the accuracy of the galvanometer

readings. Place the instrument on a stable surface and minimize
any vibrations in the surroundings.

 Maintain a stable temperature environment. Avoid exposure

to extreme temperatures that may cause expansion or
contraction of materials, impacting the performance of the
galvanometer.

 Calibrate the galvanometer regularly to ensure accurate

readings. Perform periodic checks to verify its calibration and
functionality.

 Protect the galvanometer from exposure to water or other

liquids. Moisture can damage the delicate internal components.

 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.

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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.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
 NCERT Physics Text Book, Volume - I
 WWW.Vedanthu.com
 https://Byjus.com
 WWW.Scribd.com
 WWW.Unacdemy.com
 WWW.CHATGPTCOM

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