Question

how does a shunt help in converting galvanometer into ammeter?

Answer 1

i want to ask............ when shunt is connected, the current is divided into two paths. then how can galvanotmeter measure the actual value of current?

Answer 2

i ll explain taking an example..

lets say i have galvanometer which has a range of 0-1A and 10 ohms(i know you don't have such , but lets take this for example sake).. so that means... when you put 1A current through the meter, it will show full deflection (lets say it has 10 divisions).. so the stick will be on 10th division..
each division will show 0.1A... correct?


now i want to increase its range to 0-2A... how to do this?.. if you see the formula.. u ll see that you need to shunt a 10 ohm resistance..

now when you send a 2 A current through the circuit.. 1A goes through the meter, and 1A through the resistor.. and so it will still show full scale deflection.. see now what we have done??... for 2A we get a full scale deflection

all i have to do now is change the sticker.. which showed each division as 0.1, and make it 0.2


if i send 1A current, then 0.5 goes through galvonometer, and it ll show half a deflection.. and our sticker is ready :D.. its that simple.. amazing isnt it..

i can increase its range from 0- 10 A, or 0-100A if i want.. putting appropriate shunt :D..

but ofcourse.. you never have a free meal.. if u keep increasing the range.. something else will decrease.. can you tell me what that is?