Solution
Related Formula
Parallel combination of ammeter (RG = 240Ω) and shunt (S = 10Ω):
Rparallel = (RG · S)/(RG + S)Total equivalent resistance:
Req = Rₛₑᵣᵢₑₛ + RparallelCurrent Divider Rule:
Iammeter = Itotal · ((S)/(RG + S))Core Logic
Let's first calculate the equivalent resistance of the parallel branch (ammeter + shunt):
Rparallel = (240 × 10)/(240 + 10) = (2400)/(250) = 9.6ΩNow, add the series resistance (150.4Ω) to find the total equivalent resistance of the circuit:
Req = 150.4 + 9.6 = 160ΩStep 1: Finding Total Current
Use Ohm's Law to calculate the total current Itotal drawn from the 20~V battery:
Itotal = VReq = (20)/(160) = 0.125~AStep 2: Calculating Ammeter Current
Using the Current Divider Rule, calculate the current Iammeter flowing through the 240Ω ammeter branch:
Iammeter = Itotal × (10)/(240 + 10) = 0.125 × (10)/(250) Iammeter = 0.125 × (1)/(25) = 0.005~AConvert this into milliamperes (mA):
Iammeter = 0.005 × 1000 = 5~mATherefore, the reading of the ammeter is 5~mA.
Pattern Recognition
Notice how nicely the numbers are set up in JEE Mains questions! The parallel combination of 240Ω and 10Ω yields exactly 9.6Ω, which beautifully combines with 150.4Ω to form a perfect integer sum of 160Ω. This tells you that your intermediate steps are absolutely correct!
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Current Electricity: Measuring Devices