LAB EXPERIMENT: 06

Name: _________________ Roll No: ______________

Date: _________________ Mark: ______________

Wheatstone bridge
Objective:
To execute the operation of Wheatstone bridge for measurement of unknown resistance

Apparatus/instruments:
DWB-01 WHEATSTONE BRIDGE.
- Built in galvanometer & bridge power source.
- Null measuring method
Theory:

The Wheatstone bridge is a circuit used to compare an unknown resistance with a known
resistance. A schematic is shown below:

Figure 6.1 Circuit Diagram of Wheatstone bridge

The Wheatstone bridge circuit above is usually operated by adjusting the variable resistor
R3until no current flows in the ammeter. Under this special circumstance, the above
circuit problem may be solved easily without the need for Kirchoff's rules. Notice that
resistors R3 and R2 are NOT in parallel (because there is a different voltage across each
resistor) if there is a current in the ammeter. Also R3 and R4 are NOT in series (because
there is a different current through each resistor) if there is a current in the ammeter.

Originally the Wheatstone bridge was developed as a sort of "electrical balance" to

measure unknown resistors placed in the position of R4and the adjustable resistor R3 had
a sort of scale which could be used to determine the value of the unknown resistor R4in a
way we now describe. This original use of the Wheatstone bridge has been replaced with
the digital volt, amp, ohmmeter in your circuit kit.

Figure 6.2 Wheatstone bridge Trainer

Features of Wheatstone bridge trainer:

• Wide measuring range 1Ω to 10MΩ
• Built in galvanometer and bridge power source
• Null measuring method
• One multiplier and four measuring arms
• Guarding and shielding with a portable metal case.
Procedure:-
1. Connect the unknown resistance to be measured across the terminal marked unknown.

2. Select a proper multiplication factor from multiply by dial, depending upon the range
of resistance measurement.

3. Set the direct / shunted switch to shunted position and press both the press key and
adjust the four decade resistance dials until the galvanometer pointer reads zero and then
set the direct / shunted switch to direct/ shunted position and adjust the dials for final
balance point.

4. Note the readings of the four decade dials and the multiplier dial. Then the unknown
resistance can be calculated as follows:

Derivation: calculate unknown resistance.

Calculation:
Table 6.1 values of different resistor

Sr. R2/R1 R3(A) R3(B) R3(C) R3(D) R3=R3(A)+R3(B)+R3(C)+R3(4) Rx=R2/R1*R3

Conclusion:

Applications