ESHANT

SETHI
XII B

PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY

PROJECT

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Physics project work
on “To compare/determine the E.M.Fs of the given
cells using potentiometer.” is a bonafide record of
work done by Master ..................... under my
guidance and supervision.

TEACHER'S NAME:

THEORY:
 A. Potentiometer is a device used to measure
the internal resistance of cell, to compare
the e.m.f. of two cells and potential
difference across a resistor.

B. Principle

It works on the principle that when a constant

current flows through a wire of uniform thickness and
material, potential difference between its two points
is directly proportional to the length of the wire
between the two points. It is a device used to
measure the internal resistance of a cell, to compare
the e.m.f of two primary cells etc.
V =IR … (1)
l
R=l
A … (2)
Il
V=
A
l … (3)
l
Let k =I
A = constant
 i.e., v =kl

Where k is constant of proportionality. It is called

‘potential gradient’ along the potentiometer wire
and measured in Vm-1.

C. Construction

A potentiometer consists a long wire of uniform

thickness cross-sectional area, usually 4 to 10m long,
of material having high resistivity and low
temperature coefficient such as constantan or
manganin. These wires are stretched parallel to each
other on a board wooden board by the side at a metre
scale. The wires are joined in series by thick copper
strips. A battery of constant e.m.f is connected to
the ends P and Q of wire, called driving or auxiliary
cell, a jockey J, with a sensitive galvanometer G, is
made to slide on the wire PQ.
 Similarly, a point at a distance l2 from the zero end
of the wire PQ can be obtained with the cell E2 ,
where the galvanometer shows zero deflection, so
that again
E2=k l 2 … (2)

Dividing equation (1) by (2),

E 1 kl 1 l 1
= =
E 2 kl 2 l 2

E 1 l1
=
E 2 l2
Materials Required:
Potentiometer, a galvanometer, a battery
eliminator, a rheostat of low resistance, a
resistance box, a one way key, a two way key,
jockey, a set square, connecting wires and a
piece of sand paper.
OBSERVATION:

1. E.M.F of battery eliminator =4v

E.M.F of cells
Alkaline button cell = 1.86v
Button cell = 1.75v

AAA (nippo) = 1.89v

AAA (Eveready) = 1.80v

Dry cell (nippo) = 1.90v

AA (Eveready) = 1.78v

2. Readings

a)Comparison between button cell and alkaline cell:

Button cell ( E )
1 = 1.86v
Alkaline cell ( E ¿ 2 = 1.75v
RESULTS:
1) Button cell and Alkaline cell:
E.m.f (actual) = 1.062
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.067
2) AAA cell (Eveready) and AAA cell (Nippo):
E.m.f (actual) = 1.05
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.052
3) A cell (nippo) and AA cell (Eveready):
E.m.f (actual) = 1.067
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.066
PRECAUTIONS:

1. The connections should be neat, clean,

and tight.
2. The plugs should be introduced in the
keys only when
the observations are to be taken.
3. The positive poles of the battery E and
cells
E
1 and E should, all be connected to the terminal
2

at the zero of the wires.

4. The jockey key should not be rubbed
along the wire.
It should touch the wire gently.
5. The ammeter reading should remain
constant for a
particular set of observation. If necessary, adjust
the rheostat for this purpose.
6. The E.M.F of the battery should be
greater than the
E.M.F’s of the two cells.
7. Some high resistance plug should be
taken
out from resistance box before the jockey is moved
along the wire.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

1. The instrument may be loose.

2. Thick connecting wires may not be available.
3. Rheostat may have high resistance.
4. The auxiliary battery may not be fully
charged.
5. The potentiometer wire may not be of uniform
cross-section and material density throughout
its length.
6. End resistance may not be zero.