Aim: To convert a given galvanometer into an ammeter of given range and then calibrate it

with the help of a copper voltameter.

Apparatus: (i) a galvanometer of known resistance, (ii) accumulator, (iii) high values
resistance box, (iv) resistance wire as shunt, (v) plug keys, (vi) copper voltameter, (vii) rheostat,
(viii) stop-watch, (ix) connecting wires.

Theory: To convert a galvanometer into an ammeter, a shunt resistance S is connected in

parallel to the galvanometer and its value is given by

𝐼𝑔 × 𝐺
𝑆=
𝐼 − 𝐼𝑔
where,
Ig = the maximum current that passes through the galvanometer for full scale deflection,

I = the range of the ammeter in which the galvanometer is to be converted,

and G = the resistance of the galvanometer.

If a wire of radius r and specific resistance σ is used as the shunt, then the required
length l of the wire is given by

𝜋𝑟 2 𝑆
𝑙=
𝜎
Again, the value of current Ig is given by,

𝐼𝑔 = 𝐶𝑠 × 𝑁
where,

N = total number of divisions on either side of the zero of galvanometer scale

Cs = current sensitivity or figure of merit (FOM) of the galvanometer and is given by

𝐸
𝐶𝑠 =
𝑛(𝑅 + 𝐺)
where,

E = EMF of the cell,

n = Deflection in the galvanometer pointer corresponding to resistance R in the

resistance box

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Circuit Diagrams:

Fig 1: Circuit diagram for the determination of figure of merit

Fig 2: Circuit diagram for calibration of the converted galvanometer

Experimental results:

A. Determination of figure of merit (Cs) and Ig of the galvanometer

(i) Resistance of the galvanometer, G = ……… Ω

(ii) EMF of the battery, E = ………... volt

(iii) Total number of divisions on either side of the zero of galvanometer scale,
N = ……... divisions

Resistance in No. of divisions of 𝑬 Mean

Sl. 𝑪𝒔 = 𝑰 𝒈 = 𝑪𝒔 × 𝑵
the resistance deflection in 𝒏(𝑹 + 𝑮) Cs
No. (A)
box R (Ω) galvanometer ‘n’ (A/div.) (A/div.)
1
2
3

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 B. Determination of S:

Galvanometer Galvanometer 𝑰𝒈 × 𝑮
Required range 𝑺=
resistance G Current Ig 𝑰 − 𝑰𝒈
(A)
(Ω) (A) (Ω)

C. Determination of length of shunt wire:

(i) Table for determination of radius of the wire

No. Diameter Mean Corrected Radius
of M.S.R C.S.R 𝐝 = 𝐌𝐒𝐑 + (𝐂𝐒𝐑 × 𝐋𝐂) Diameter Diameter 𝒓 = 𝑫/𝟐
Obs. (cm) (div) (cm) d 𝑫=𝒅−𝒆 (cm)
(cm) (cm)
1
2

(ii) The specific resistance of copper, σ = 1.78 × 10 – 6 Ω cm

𝜋𝑟 2 𝑆
(iii) Required length of the shunt wire, 𝑙 = = ……… cm
𝜎

D. Calibration of the converted galvanometer with help of a copper voltameter:

The ECE of copper, Z = 0.0003293 gm/C

Mass m in gm
Reading of converted Correction
of the cathode Total Actual
No. galvanometer Mass in gm to be
at the time current
of of deposition 𝑾 applied in
in in Amp in sec 𝒊 = 𝒁𝒕
obs. Beginning End W = 𝒎𝟏 – 𝒎𝟐 Amp
divisions 𝑰 t A
𝒊′ = × 𝒏 𝒎𝟏 𝒎𝟐 𝒊 − 𝒊′
‘n’ 𝑵
1
2
3
4
5

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Graph : A graph is drawn by plotting 𝒊′ along x-axis and 𝒊 − 𝒊′ along y-axis. This graph is
known as the calibration curve for the converted galvanometer.

Results:
(i) The length of the shunt wire of Copper required to convert the given galvanometer into an
ammeter of range ……. A is …...…. cm.

(ii) The attached graph represents the calibration curve of the converted galvanometer over the
given range.

Precautions and discussions:

(i) The battery should be fully charged.

(ii) In determining figure of merit, the resistance introduced in the resistance box should be
high, otherwise the galvanometer may be damaged.

(iii) The length of the shunt wire should be exactly equal to the calculated value.

(iv) During calibration, mass of the cathode plate should be measured by a sensitive balance.

*****

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