Question

A multirange voltmeter can be constructed by using a galvanometer circuit as shown in the figure. We want to construct a voltmeter that can measure $2{\text{V}}$ , $20{\text{V}}$ and $200{\text{V}}$ using a galvanometer of resistance $10\Omega$ and that produces maximum deflection for current of $1{\text{ mA}}$ . Find the value of $R_1$ , $R_2$ and $R_3$ that have to be used.

Answer 1

To solve this question we have to separately consider each of the three voltmeters. Then, applying the Ohm’s law to each circuit thus obtained, we can get the respective values of the resistances.

Complete step-by-step solution
Since the resistance of the galvanometer is given in the question to be equal to $10\Omega$ , so the circuit diagram in the question can be redrawn as

Considering the first voltmeter which can measure a voltage of $2{\text{V}}$ .

Since the maximum deflection of the galvanometer occurs for a current of $1{\text{ mA}}$ , so the current in the circuit is equal to $1{\text{ mA}}$ . That is,
${I_g} = 1{\text{ mA}} = {10^{ - 3}}{\text{A}}$
The net resistance in the circuit is given by
$R = 10 + {R_1}$
Also, the voltage across this resistance is equal to $2{\text{V}}$ . So from the Ohm’s law we have
$V = {I_g}R$
$\Rightarrow 2 = {10^{ - 3}}\left( {10 + {R_1}} \right)$
Multiplying both sides by $1000$
${R_1} + 10 = 2000$
Subtracting $10$ from both the sides we get
${R_1} = 1990\Omega$ ……………...(1)
Now, we consider the second voltmeter which can measure a voltage of $20{\text{V}}$ .

The net resistance in the circuit is
$R = {R_1} + {R_2} + 10$
The voltage across the circuit is
$V = 20{\text{V}}$
So we have
$20 = {10^{ - 3}}\left( {{R_1} + {R_2} + 10} \right)$
Multiplying both sides by $1000$
${R_1} + {R_2} + 10 = 20000$
Substituting (1) we get
$1990 + {R_2} + 10 = 20000$
${R_2} = 18000\Omega$ ……………...(2)
Finally, we consider the second voltmeter which can measure a voltage of $200{\text{V}}$ .

The net resistance in the circuit is
$R = {R_1} + {R_2} + {R_3} + 10$
The voltage across the circuit is
$V = 200{\text{V}}$
So we have
$200 = {10^{ - 3}}\left( {{R_1} + {R_2} + {R_3} + 10} \right)$
Multiplying both sides by $1000$
${R_1} + {R_2} + {R_3} + 10 = 200000$
Substituting (1) and (2) we get
$1990 + 18000 + {R_3} + 10 = 200000$
${R_3} = 180000\Omega$
Hence, the value of $R_1$ , $R_2$ and $R_3$ are $1990\Omega$ , $18000\Omega$ , and $180000\Omega$ respectively.

Note
We should not forget to convert the value of maximum deflection current into the SI unit. Also, the voltage of the left terminal which is connected to the galvanometer is not given. So we have ourselves assumed it to be equal to zero volts. This is because then only the voltmeter will measure the respective voltages given in the question.