Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its

Conversion

PM SHRI KV NO. 2 ARMY VADODARA

 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

AIM:

STUDY OF MOVING COIL GALVANOMETER AND ITS CONVERSION INTO

AMMETER AND VOLTMETER

SUBMITTED TO CBSE FOR SSCE 2026 PRACTICAL EXAM

SUBMITTED TO:
Kiranjeet Ma’am
PGT PHYSICS

SUBMITTED BY:
Jiya
CLASS 12
ROLL NO. 21

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Certificate

This is to certify that Jiya (Roll No. 21) of Class 12 has successfully com-
pleted the investigatory project on ‘Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Con-
version into Ammeter and Voltmeter’ under the guidance of Kiranjeet Ma’
am (PGT Physics) during the academic session 2025–26.

Signatures:

Teacher: Kiranjeet Ma’am Principal: Anjali Choudhary

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Acknowledgement

I express my sincere gratitude to Kiranjeet Ma’am, PGT Physics, for her in-
valuable guidance and constant encouragement throughout the course of this
investigatory project. I am also thankful to our Principal, Mrs. Anjali Choud-
hary, for her motivation and support. Special thanks to our school for providing
excellent laboratory facilities and resources, which made this study possible.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Introduction

A Moving Coil Galvanometer is an instrument used to detect and measure

small electric currents by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion.
It operates on the principle that a current-carrying coil suspended in a magnetic
field experiences a torque, resulting in angular deflection of a pointer over a
calibrated scale. This deflection is proportional to the magnitude of the current
flowing through the coil. Due to its high sensitivity, the galvanometer is widely
used in laboratories to detect minute currents and serves as the foundation for
instruments like ammeters and voltmeters.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Principle

When a coil carrying electric current is placed in a uniform magnetic field,

it experiences a magnetic torque. This torque tends to rotate the coil, and the an-
gular deflection produced is directly proportional to the current flowing through
the coil. Mathematically, the torque τ acting on the coil is given by:

τ = nBIA cos θ

where:

Symbol Description

n Number of turns of the coil

B Magnetic field strength

I Current passing through the coil

A Area of the coil

θ Angle between the magnetic field and coil

plane (usually 90◦ )

Since the coil is suspended by a fine fiber, the restoring torque due to the
fiber’s torsion balances the magnetic torque at equilibrium, allowing precise mea-
surement of current.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Construction

The moving coil galvanometer is constructed with the following main com-
ponents:

• Rectangular Coil: A coil made of fine copper wire is wound on a soft iron
core to increase magnetic sensitivity.

• Magnet Pole Pieces: A permanent magnet produces a strong and uniform

magnetic field between its pole pieces where the coil is placed.

• Suspension Fiber: The coil is suspended by a fine, torsionally sensitive

fiber or wire, allowing free rotation.

• Pointer and Scale: A lightweight pointer attached to the coil moves over a
calibrated scale to indicate current magnitude.

The coil is free to rotate in the magnetic field, and the suspension fiber pro-
vides the restoring torque proportional to the angle of deflection.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Working

When an electric current passes through the coil, it experiences a torque due
to the magnetic field. This torque causes the coil to rotate, moving the attached
pointer over the scale. The suspension fiber resists this motion with a restoring
torque proportional to the angular displacement. At equilibrium, the magnetic
torque balances the restoring torque, and the pointer settles at an angle propor-
tional to the current.

Thus, by calibrating the scale with known currents, the galvanometer can
measure unknown currents accurately. The relationship between deflection an-
gle θ and current I is linear within the instrument’s range, enabling precise cur-
rent detection.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Conversion to Ammeter and Voltmeter

The moving coil galvanometer can be converted into:

• Ammeter: By connecting a low resistance, called a shunt (Rs ), in paral-

lel with the galvanometer coil, most of the current bypasses the coil. This
allows the device to measure larger currents without damaging the gal-
vanometer.

V V
I = Ig + Is ⇒ I= +
Rg Rs

where Ig is the current through the galvanometer, Rg its resistance, and Is

and Rs are the shunt current and resistance respectively.

• Voltmeter: By connecting a high resistance Rv in series with the galvanome-

ter coil, the device measures voltage across components without drawing
significant current.

V = I(Rg + Rv )

This high series resistance protects the galvanometer and extends the mea-
surable voltage range.

Summary Table:

Instrument Modification Purpose

Ammeter Low resistance shunt Measures large current

in parallel safely

Voltmeter High resistance in Measures voltage

series without affecting
circuit

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Precautions and Conclusion

Precautions:

• Avoid jerks or sudden movements to prevent damage to the delicate coil

and suspension.

• Always adjust the zero error before taking readings to ensure accuracy.

• Handle the pointer needle gently to avoid bending or breakage.

Conclusion:
The moving coil galvanometer was successfully studied, illustrating its construc-
tion, working principle, and operation. Its conversion into an ammeter and volt-
meter was also demonstrated, showing how simple modifications enable it to
measure larger currents and voltages accurately. This project reinforces the fun-
damental concepts of electromagnetic induction and measurement techniques in
physics.

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 Moving Coil Galvanometer and Its Conversion

Bibliography

• NCERT Physics Textbook, Class 12

• School Physics Lab Manual

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