Question:medium

A galvanometer with resistance 100 Ω gives full-scale deflection with a current of 2 mA. The resistance required to convert the galvanometer into an ammeter of range 0 to 20 A is nearly:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2026
  • 10$^{−2}$ Ω in series
  • 10$^{−2}$ Ω in parallel
  • 10$^{−1}$ Ω in parallel
  • 10$^{−1}$ Ω in series
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To convert a galvanometer into an ammeter, a shunt resistor is connected in parallel. This shunt allows the majority of the current (20 A) to bypass the galvanometer, enabling it to measure higher currents without damage.

First, the full-scale voltage across the galvanometer, \( V_g \), is calculated using Ohm's Law:

\( V_g = I_g \times R_g \)

With \( I_g = 2 \, \text{mA} = 0.002 \, \text{A} \) and \( R_g = 100 \, \Omega \), the voltage is:

\( V_g = 0.002 \, \text{A} \times 100 \, \Omega = 0.2 \, \text{V} \)

Next, the shunt resistance, \( R_s \), is determined using the formula:

\( R_s = \frac{V_g}{I - I_g} \)

Where \( I = 20 \, \text{A} \) is the total current. The calculation for \( R_s \) is:

\( R_s = \frac{0.2 \, \text{V}}{20 \, \text{A} - 0.002 \, \text{A}} \approx \frac{0.2 \, \text{V}}{19.998 \, \text{A}} \approx 0.01 \, \Omega \)

Therefore, a resistance of approximately \( 10^{-2} \, \Omega \) connected in parallel is required for the desired range. The correct answer is:

10$^{-2}$ Ω in parallel

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