1 Answer
Yes, a voltmeter is essentially a modified type of galvanometer. Both instruments work on the same principle, which is detecting current flow, but their design and use differ to measure different quantities.
- A **galvanometer** is a device that detects and measures small currents. It consists of a coil suspended in a magnetic field, and when current passes through the coil, it experiences a force that causes the needle to deflect.
- A **voltmeter** is designed to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit. To make the galvanometer useful as a voltmeter, it is modified by connecting a large **series resistance** (called a **multiplier resistance**) with it. This prevents large currents from flowing through the galvanometer and allows it to measure voltage instead of current.
So, while both instruments are based on the same underlying principle (current flowing through a coil in a magnetic field), a voltmeter has added components to scale it up for voltage measurements, whereas a galvanometer is used primarily for current detection.
- A **galvanometer** is a device that detects and measures small currents. It consists of a coil suspended in a magnetic field, and when current passes through the coil, it experiences a force that causes the needle to deflect.
- A **voltmeter** is designed to measure the potential difference (voltage) between two points in a circuit. To make the galvanometer useful as a voltmeter, it is modified by connecting a large **series resistance** (called a **multiplier resistance**) with it. This prevents large currents from flowing through the galvanometer and allows it to measure voltage instead of current.
So, while both instruments are based on the same underlying principle (current flowing through a coil in a magnetic field), a voltmeter has added components to scale it up for voltage measurements, whereas a galvanometer is used primarily for current detection.