= Moving-magnet galvanometer
A <moving-magnet galvanometer> measures <electric current> through the <torque> it exerts on a movable <magnetic dipole moment>. A fixed coil carries the current and creates a <magnetic field>; a suspended magnet turns against a restoring <torque> supplied by its suspension or a reference field.
For sufficiently small deflections in a calibrated geometry, the coil field and resulting angular response are proportional to <electric current>. A pointer or reflected optical spot reads the angle. This differs from a <moving-coil galvanometer>, where the current-carrying coil itself moves. Mechanical <damping> determines whether the indication oscillates or settles smoothly after a current change.
Back to article page
