A galvanometer generally does not rely on eddy currents for its basic operation. Instead, it works based on the magnetic field interaction with a current-carrying coil.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- A galvanometer consists of a coil of wire placed in a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through the coil, it experiences a force due to the magnetic field (this is a result of the Lorentz force law). This causes the coil to rotate, and the deflection is shown on a scale, indicating the current flowing through the circuit.
- **Eddy currents** are circulating currents induced in conductors when they are exposed to a changing magnetic field. These are typically unwanted effects that can cause energy loss, like heat. However, in a galvanometer, the key working principle involves the interaction between the current in the coil and the magnetic field, not eddy currents.
In short, galvanometers don’t rely on eddy currents; their operation is based on the basic principles of electromagnetism—current and magnetic fields interacting to produce mechanical motion.