Why galvanometer is used in place of ammeter?
2 Answers
A galvanometer is used in place of an ammeter in certain situations due to its high sensitivity and precision. Here's a breakdown of why and when a galvanometer might be preferred:
1. **Sensitivity and Precision**: Galvanometers are designed to detect very small currents and can be extremely sensitive. This makes them useful for measuring small currents with high precision. When high accuracy is required, especially in laboratory settings, a galvanometer can provide more precise measurements than a standard ammeter.
2. **Calibration**: Galvanometers can be calibrated to measure a range of currents by using shunt resistors. By adding a known resistance in parallel with the galvanometer, it can be adapted to measure higher currents, essentially converting it into an ammeter with a specific range.
3. **Customization**: Galvanometers can be customized for various ranges and sensitivities. This makes them versatile for different measurement needs.
4. **Measurement Range**: For very low currents, a galvanometer might be used initially. It can then be used in conjunction with a shunt resistor to measure higher currents, which would be difficult for standard ammeters, especially those not designed for low current measurements.
In summary, while galvanometers are primarily used for their sensitivity and precision in measuring small currents, they can be adapted with shunt resistors to function as ammeters for a broader range of currents.
1. **Sensitivity and Precision**: Galvanometers are designed to detect very small currents and can be extremely sensitive. This makes them useful for measuring small currents with high precision. When high accuracy is required, especially in laboratory settings, a galvanometer can provide more precise measurements than a standard ammeter.
2. **Calibration**: Galvanometers can be calibrated to measure a range of currents by using shunt resistors. By adding a known resistance in parallel with the galvanometer, it can be adapted to measure higher currents, essentially converting it into an ammeter with a specific range.
3. **Customization**: Galvanometers can be customized for various ranges and sensitivities. This makes them versatile for different measurement needs.
4. **Measurement Range**: For very low currents, a galvanometer might be used initially. It can then be used in conjunction with a shunt resistor to measure higher currents, which would be difficult for standard ammeters, especially those not designed for low current measurements.
In summary, while galvanometers are primarily used for their sensitivity and precision in measuring small currents, they can be adapted with shunt resistors to function as ammeters for a broader range of currents.