Question

What is a shunt? State the functions of the shunt in modifying a galvanometer to an ammeter.

Answer 1

A shunt is a low resistance that is linked in parallel to a sensitive device like a galvanometer in order to deflect a significant portion of the line current and shield it from harm.

The shunt has the following functions:

1. It reduces the ammeter's effective resistance.
2. By offering a different path, it shunts off (diverts) a significant portion of the line current, shielding the delicate meter movement from harm.
3. A galvanometer can be converted into an ammeter with nearly any desired range by adding the appropriate shunt.