The problem asks for the reading of an ammeter in a simple series circuit. The ammeter is not ideal; it has an internal structure consisting of a coil and a shunt resistor connected in parallel. To find the ammeter's reading, which is the total current flowing through it, we must first calculate the equivalent resistance of the ammeter and then the total resistance of the entire circuit.
Concept Used:
The solution involves the application of Ohm's Law and the formulas for calculating equivalent resistance in series and parallel circuits.
- Equivalent Resistance of Parallel Resistors: For two resistors, and , connected in parallel, their equivalent resistance is given by:
- Equivalent Resistance of Series Resistors: For resistors connected in series, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances:
- Ohm's Law: The total current flowing in a circuit is equal to the total voltage divided by the total equivalent resistance :
The reading of an ammeter is the total current that enters the instrument.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Calculate the equivalent resistance of the ammeter.
The ammeter consists of a coil with resistance connected in parallel with a shunt resistor . The equivalent resistance of the ammeter, , is:
Step 2: Calculate the total resistance of the circuit.
The ammeter is connected in series with an external resistor . The total resistance of the circuit, , is the sum of the external resistance and the ammeter's resistance:
Step 3: Use Ohm's Law to find the total current in the circuit.
The voltage of the source is . The total current flowing through the circuit is what the ammeter measures.
Step 4: Convert the current to milliamperes (mA).
The problem asks for the reading in mA. Since , we convert the result:
The reading of the ammeter is 160 mA.
