The word "galvanometer" is spelled with five syllables: /ɡæl.vəˈnɒm.ɪ.tər/. The first syllable starts with a hard "g" sound, followed by the "a" sound as in "cat" and a short "l" sound. The second syllable starts with a "v" sound, followed by the "uh" sound as in "up" and a soft "n" sound. The last syllable starts with the "o" sound as in "on", followed by the "m" sound and the "ih" sound as in "it". A galvanometer is a device used to detect and measure electric current.
A galvanometer is a highly sensitive instrument used to detect and measure small currents. It is essentially a device that measures and indicates the presence, direction, and magnitude of electric currents. The term "galvanometer" is derived from the name of Luigi Galvani, an Italian physician and physicist who was one of the pioneers in the field of bioelectricity.
The basic construction of a galvanometer involves a coil of wire being placed in a magnetic field, typically generated by a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. When a current passes through the coil, it experiences a force due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the electric field. This force causes the coil to move, and the extent of the movement is directly proportional to the strength of the current.
Galvanometers are commonly used in scientific and industrial applications, such as in laboratories to measure electrical currents in experiments or in the field of electricity generation and distribution to monitor and regulate electrical circuits. They are known for their high sensitivity and accuracy, making them suitable for precise measurements of both DC and AC currents.
Over time, the galvanometer has evolved into more sophisticated forms, such as the mirror galvanometer, which utilizes a mirror and a beam of light to reflect the movement of the coil and provide more precise readings. These advancements have made galvanometers an indispensable tool in various fields of science and technology.
An instrument for detecting the presence of a galvanic current, or for measuring its strength.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
An instr. for ascertaining the presence of electricity and estimating its amount.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word galvanometer is derived from the combination of two words: galvanic and meter.
The term galvanic refers to the study of electricity produced by chemical reaction, named after Luigi Galvani, an Italian physician and physicist who made important discoveries in the field of electricity and bio-electromagnetics.
The word meter comes from the Greek word metron, meaning measure or measurement.
Therefore, galvanometer essentially means an instrument used for measuring galvanic or electrical currents.