Working Principle
- When a short-duration pulse of current (charge Q) passes through the coil, the coil experiences a torque due to the magnetic field.
- Instead of responding to steady current, the coil undergoes a single swing (deflection) proportional to the total charge (Q).
- The maximum deflection (θ) of the coil is used to determine the amount of charge: Q=kθQ = k \theta where k is a constant depending on the instrument calibration.
Characteristics of a Ballistic Galvanometer
- Long Period of Oscillation – The coil is designed to move slowly, ensuring the entire charge pulse contributes to the first swing.
- Small Damping – To avoid energy loss, the damping is kept minimal, allowing the coil to return after full deflection.
- High Sensitivity – It can detect very small amounts of charge accurately.
Applications
- Measurement of Charge (Q) – Used in capacitor discharge experiments.
- Magnetic Flux Measurement – Helps determine changes in magnetic flux in electromagnetic induction.
- Verification of Faraday’s Laws – Used to confirm Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction.
- Capacitance Measurement – Used in capacitance experiments by measuring charge flow.
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