Question:medium

A battery of emf 12 V and internal resistance $2\Omega$ is connected in series with a tangent galvanometer of resistance $4\Omega$. The deflection is $60^{\circ}$ when the plane of the coil is along the magnetic meridian. To get a deflection of $30^{\circ}$, the resistance to be connected in series with the tangent galvanometer is

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In tangent galvanometer, $I \propto \tan\theta$.
Updated On: May 3, 2026
  • $12\Omega$
  • $20\Omega$
  • $10\Omega$
  • $5\Omega$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to find the resistance to be connected in series with the tangent galvanometer in order to get a deflection of \(30^{\circ}\). The tangent law of a galvanometer states that the tangent of the deflection angle (\(\theta\)) is proportional to the current (\(I\)) flowing through it:

\(I = k \cdot \tan(\theta)\),

where \(k\) is a constant of proportionality.

Initially, we have:

  • Emf (\(E\)) = 12 V
  • Internal resistance of the battery (\(r\)) = 2\(\Omega\)
  • Resistance of galvanometer (\(R_g\)) = 4\(\Omega\)
  • Initial deflection (\(\theta_1\)) = \(60^{\circ}\)

The total resistance in the initial condition is the sum of the internal resistance of the battery and the resistance of the galvanometer:

\(R_{\text{total1}} = r + R_g = 2 + 4 = 6\Omega\)

The current through the galvanometer for deflection \(60^{\circ}\) is:

\(I_1 = \frac{E}{R_{\text{total1}}} = \frac{12}{6} = 2 \text{A}\)

Applying tangent law:

\(I_1 = k \cdot \tan(60^{\circ}) = k \cdot \sqrt{3}\)

Thus, \(k = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}}\)

For the second condition where deflection is \(30^{\circ}\):

\(I_2 = k \cdot \tan(30^{\circ}) = \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} \cdot \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{2}{3} \text{A}\)

To find the required total resistance to have a deflection of \(30^{\circ}\), we use:

\(R_{\text{total2}} = \frac{E}{I_2} = \frac{12}{\frac{2}{3}} = 18\Omega\)

The additional resistance \(R\) required in series is given by:

\(R = R_{\text{total2}} - R_{\text{total1}} = 18 - 6 = 12\Omega\)

Therefore, the resistance to be connected in series with the tangent galvanometer to obtain a deflection of \(30^{\circ}\) is 12\(\Omega\).

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