A **galvanometer** is a device used to detect and measure small electric currents. It functions based on the principles of electromagnetism, where the flow of current through a coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with a permanent magnet, causing a needle or pointer to deflect.
The **scale** used in a galvanometer depends on the nature of the current it measures, and it is typically:
### 1. **Linear Scale**:
- Many galvanometers use a **linear scale**, which means that the deflection of the needle is directly proportional to the current passing through the coil.
- The more current that flows, the further the needle moves in equal increments, making the scale easier to read and understand.
### 2. **Graduated Scale**:
- Some galvanometers may have a **graduated scale** marked in specific units (such as milliamperes, microamperes, etc.), allowing the user to directly interpret the amount of current causing the needle's deflection.
### 3. **Null-point Scale**:
- In null-point galvanometers (used in more sensitive measurements), the scale shows when the current is balanced or at zero. The aim is to detect no deflection (the needle stays at zero) when there is no current flow or balanced conditions in the circuit.
Overall, the scale is designed to indicate the current flow clearly, whether by showing direct current values or using proportional deflections to represent the current's magnitude.