Exam Question
With the aid of a circuit diagram, explain how a Galvanometer can be used as an Ammeter.
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MET
📅 Jan 2026
Reference Answer
### 1. Fundamental Principle of a Galvanometer
A galvanometer is a highly sensitive electromechanical instrument designed to detect and indicate small electric currents. Its operation is based on the principle that a current-carrying coil placed in a magnetic field experiences a torque, causing it to deflect. The angle of deflection is directly proportional to the current passing through the coil.
However, a galvanometer has two significant limitations for direct use in circuits:
* **High Sensitivity:** It is designed for very small currents, typically in the range of microamperes (µA) or milliamperes (mA). A larger current would generate excessive torque, damaging the pointer and burning out the fine-wire coil.
A galvanometer is a highly sensitive electromechanical instrument designed to detect and indicate small electric currents. Its operation is based on the principle that a current-carrying coil placed in a magnetic field experiences a torque, causing it to deflect. The angle of deflection is directly proportional to the current passing through the coil.
However, a galvanometer has two significant limitations for direct use in circuits:
* **High Sensitivity:** It is designed for very small currents, typically in the range of microamperes (µA) or milliamperes (mA). A larger current would generate excessive torque, damaging the pointer and burning out the fine-wire coil.
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