Question

What is shunt? Write its theory.

Answer 1

Dear Student,

A shunt resistance is a high precision resistor which can be used to measure the current flowing through a circuit. Since Galvanometer is a very sensitive instrument therefore it can’t measure heavy currents. In order to convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter, a very low resistance known as "shunt" resistance is connected in parallel to Galvanometer. Value of shunt is so adjusted that most of the current passes through the shunt. In this way a Galvanometer is converted into Ammeter and can measure heavy currents without fully deflected.
Shunt resistance connected in parallel to the galvanometer when converting it to an ammeter because shunt will take the larger fraction of current around the galvanometer will be made of a thick plate of low resistance, so that the current can flow easily.

Regards