Is galvanometer a voltmeter or ammeter?
2 Answers
A galvanometer is primarily an ammeter. It measures small currents by detecting the magnetic field created by the current flowing through its coil. However, it can be used as a voltmeter by connecting it in parallel with a known resistor (a shunt) to measure voltage indirectly. So, while its main function is to measure current, it can also be adapted to measure voltage.
A galvanometer is primarily an **ammeter**, as it is designed to measure small electric currents. It works on the principle of the magnetic effect of electric current, where a moving coil within a magnetic field deflects a pointer on a scale.
However, a galvanometer can be modified to function as a **voltmeter** by adding a high-value resistor in series with it. This allows it to measure voltage by converting the current measurement into a voltage reading, but its original design and main purpose are for current measurement.
However, a galvanometer can be modified to function as a **voltmeter** by adding a high-value resistor in series with it. This allows it to measure voltage by converting the current measurement into a voltage reading, but its original design and main purpose are for current measurement.