A galvanometer has a resistance of \( 8\,\Omega \). It is shunted by a wire of resistance \( 2\,\Omega \). If the total current is 2 A, the current passing through the shunt is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 1.6 A
The galvanometer and the shunt are in parallel, so the current divides in the inverse ratio of the resistances.
\( G = 8\,\Omega \)
\( S = 2\,\Omega \)
\( I = 2\,\mathrm{A} \)
\( \displaystyle I_S = I\,\frac{G}{G + S} = 2 \times \frac{8}{8 + 2} = 1.6\,\mathrm{A} \)
The remaining \( 0.4\,\mathrm{A} \) passes through the galvanometer.