Back to Course

0% Complete
0/0 Steps

• ## Do you like this content?

Lesson 7, Topic 1
In Progress

# Multiplier & Shunt

Lesson Progress
0% Complete

Multiplier

A small galvanometer which is used for measuring small current can be converted to a multiplier. This is achieved by connecting a high resistance (resistor) in series with the galvanometer in order to convert it to voltmeter

V = Vg+ VR

V = Voltage across the whole circuit

Vg = voltage along the galvanometer

Vm = voltage across the multiplier

Rg = resistance across the galvanometer

Rm = resistance across the multiplier

Since galvanometer and multiplier are in the same series, the same amount of current flows through them

I = $$\frac {V_g}{R_g} = \frac {V_m}{R_m} = \frac {V_r}{R_m}$$

Example

A galvanometer of resistance 6Ω and full scale deflection (f.s.d) of 50MA is used to measure a P.d of 60V. Calculate the resistance of the multiplier.

Solution

Galvanometer current = 50MA = 0.05A

Voltage across galvanometer Vg = IRg = 0.05 × 6 = 0.30V

Voltage across multipliers, V = Vg + Rm

60 = 0.30 + Vm

Vm  = 60 – 0.30 = 59.7V

The galvanometer and multiplier are in series, the same current passes through them;

$$\frac {V_g}{R_g} = \frac {V_m}{R_m}$$

$$\frac {0.3}{6} = \frac {59.7}{R_m}$$

Rm =$$\frac {59.7 \times 6}{0.30}$$

Rm = $$\frac {35.82}{0.30}$$

Rm = 1191Ω

Shunt

A low resistance (resistor) connected in parallel across a galvanometer to convert it to ammeter is called shunt.

Rg = resistance of the galvanometer

Ig = current in the galvanometer

Rs = resistance of the shunt

Is = current in the shunt

From the diagram

I = Ig + Is

Since the same P.d passes through them, being parallel,

Vg =  Vs

IgRg = IsRs

Example:

A galvanometer of resistance 3Ω has an f.s.d for a current of 100MA. Calculate the resistance of the shunt required to convert it to a 5A ammeter

Solution

Ig = 100MA, Rg =3Ω

I = Ig + Is

5 = 0.1 + Is

5 – 0.1 = Is

Is = 4.9A

Vg =  Vs

Ig x Rg = Is x Rs

Rs  = $$\frac{0.1 \times 3 }{49}$$

=0.06Ω

error: