Question

To measure which of the following quantity, is a tangent galvanometer used for
A. Charge
B. Angle
C. Current
D. Magnetic field

Answer 1

Hint: In order to know about what quantity is measured by the tangent galvanometer 1st we had to know about the simple galvanometer and what is is used for. Then we will be able to find out what is measured by a tangent galvanometer which is a type of a simple galvanometer. Start with the basic information about the same.

Complete step by step solution:
First begin with the essential data regarding the simple galvanometer. A simple galvanometer is an associate degree instrument used for the measurement of the small electric currents. Early simple galvanometers weren’t being calibrated, but today their improved versions are available in the market and are known as ammeters. Ammeters are generally used to measure large currents.

Now there are essentially two types of galvanometers, that are:
1- Tangent galvanometer
2- Mirror galvanometer
Being a type of galvanometer, a tangent galvanometer is also used for measuring current only. Also in a tangent galvanometer the current is directly proportional to the tangent of the angle of the deflection which is given by the following equation:
$i \propto \tan \theta $
Where, i is current
And $\tan \theta $ is the tangent of the angle of the deflection.

Hence the correct answer is option C.

Note: Every type of galvanometer has totally different features however their basic function remains the same, that is to measure the current. There are also other types of galvanometer available in the market such as thermal galvanometer, string, trajectory and vibration galvanometer. All have their basic function the same.