A resistor connected in parallel with a galvanometer so that a large amount of current can be measured is called a/an

Analyze the question: A resistor placed in parallel with a galvanometer, so that large currents can be measured, has a specific name. We need to identify it.

Explain the concept: A galvanometer is very sensitive and can only carry a tiny current (microamps to milliamps) without being damaged. To measure larger currents, we must divert most of the current around it.

• A low-resistance resistor is connected in parallel with the galvanometer. This is called a shunt.
• Most of the current flows through the shunt, and only a small, safe fraction flows through the galvanometer.
• The galvanometer and shunt together make an ammeter.

By contrast, a multiplier is a high-resistance resistor connected in series with a galvanometer to convert it into a voltmeter.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Connection type: parallel, so it is a shunt (not a multiplier, which is in series).
2. Purpose: to extend the current range, so it bypasses excess current.
3. Shunt resistance formula:

S = (Ig × G) / (I − Ig)

where Ig = the galvanometer's full-scale current, G = galvanometer resistance, and I = the total current to be measured.

Checking the options:

• A. Ammeter: this is the whole instrument (galvanometer plus shunt), not the resistor itself.
• B. Avometer: a multimeter that measures amps, volts and ohms.
• C. Coil resistor: not the term used for this.
• D. Multiplier: a series resistor used for voltmeters.
• E. Shunt: a parallel low-resistance resistor, which is exactly what the question describes.

Answer: E (shunt)

Exam tip: Remember "Shunt = Side-by-side (parallel) for Amps" and "Multiplier = Series for Volts." Whenever you see a parallel resistor with a galvanometer, think shunt.