Galvanometer
Galvanometer is an electromechanical device used for detecting the presence of small current and voltage. It is also used to measure the magnitude of current. The current and its intensity is usually indicated by a magnetic needle’s movement or that of a coil in a magnetic field. The galvanometer is mainly used in the bridge and potentiometer where they indicate the null deflection or zero current.
What You Need To Know About Galvanometer
- Galvanometer is a device used for detecting the magnitude and direction of current.
- It works due to the presence of the magnetic field.
- It measures only the direct current (DC).
- The galvanometer is mostly used in bridge and potentiometer for detection of the zero current.
- The accuracy of the galvanometer is less.
- It is connected in series in a circuit.
- Galvanometer has a high sensitivity when compared to the ammeter.
- The galvanometer shows the direction in which current flows in a circuit.
- Galvanometer is a mechanical device.
- Galvanometer has moderate resistance (10-100 ohms).
Ammeter
An ammeter is a measuring device used to measure the electric current in a circuit. It measures either direct or alternating electric current. Ammeters work to measure electrical current by measuring the current through a set of coils with a very low resistance and inductive reactance. This allows for a very low impedance, the force that opposes electric current, that lets the ammeter accurately measure the current in a circuit without interference or change due to the ammeter itself.
Types of Ammeters
- Permanent magnet moving coil ammeter
- Electrodynamometer ammeter
- Rectifier ammeter
- Moving coil ammeter
What You Need To Know About Ammeter
- Ammeter is a device used for measuring the magnitude of the current.
- It works with or without the presence of the magnetic field.
- It measures both the Alternating (AC) and Direct Current (DC).
- Ammeter is used in electric circuit. It is directly connected in series with the circuit whose magnitude is to be measured.
- The accuracy of the ammeter is relatively high when compared to that of ammeter.
- It is connected in series in a circuit.
- Ammeter has a low sensitivity when compared to galvanometer.
- The ammeter measures the magnitude of the current flowing through it.
- Ammeter could be a mechanical or electronic device.
- An ideal ammeter should have zero resistance.
Also Read: Difference Between Volts And Amps
Difference Between Galvanometer And Ammeter In Tabular Form
BASIS OF COMPARISON | GALVANOMETER | AMMETER |
Description | Galvanometer is a device used for detecting the magnitude and direction of current. | Ammeter is a device used for measuring the magnitude of the current. |
Magnetic Field | It works due to the presence of the magnetic field. | It works with or without the presence of the magnetic field. |
Measurement | It measures only the direct current (DC). | It measures both the Alternating (AC) and Direct Current (DC). |
Use | The galvanometer is mostly used in bridge and potentiometer for detection of the zero current. | Ammeter is used in electric circuit. |
Accuracy | The accuracy of the galvanometer is less. | The accuracy of the ammeter is relatively high when compared to that of ammeter. |
Connection | It is connected in series in a circuit. | It is connected in series in a circuit. |
Sensitivity | Galvanometer has a high sensitivity when compared to the ammeter. | Ammeter has a low sensitivity when compared to galvanometer. |
Magnitude & Direction | The galvanometer shows the direction in which current flows in a circuit. | The ammeter measures the magnitude of the current flowing through it. |
Nature | Galvanometer is a mechanical device. | Ammeter could be a mechanical or electronic device. |
Resistance | Galvanometer has moderate resistance (10-100 ohms). | An ideal ammeter should have zero resistance. |