Difference between Galvanometer and Ammeter
Galvanometer
- Galvanometer is a device which is used to detect the presence of current in the circuit.
- Galvanometer can give the direction of current.
- Galvanometer cannot measure the amount of current, it only senses the current.
- Galvanometer works on the principle of magnetic effect of electric current.
- It consists of coil placed in magnetic field. When current flows through the coil, magnetic field around the coil produces torque in the coil which rotates according to the magnitude of current.
- The deflection in the coil can takes place in both directions hence it is useful to detect the direction of current.
- Its very sensitive device, hence can detect small currents also.
Ammeter
- Ammeter is a device which is used measure the amount of current in electrical circuit.
- Ammeter can give accurate value of current but unable to give us direction of current.
- Ammeter is modification in galvanometer.
- Coil of galvanometer is shunted with small value resistance to convert it in to an ammeter of desired range.
- Sensitivity of ammeter is less than that of galvanometer, so its preferred to used for measurement of large currents.