EXPERIMENT- OHM’S LAW

Aim:-

To determine the resistivity of two given wires by plotting a graph of potential difference
versus current.

Appratus :-

Two wires of unknown resistance, battery eliminator or an accumulator, voltmeter (0-5 V),
milli-ammeter (0 – 500 mA), rheostat, plug key, connecting wires, Screw-gauge and a piece
of sand paper.

Theory:-

(i)Ohm’s law:-
Ohm's law states that the electric current flowing through a conductor is directly
proportional tothe potential difference across its ends, provided the physical state of the
conductor remains unchanged.

V α I , so V = RI,

where R is the constant of proportionality and is termed as the electrical resistance of the
conductor. If V is expressed in volts and I in amperes, then R is expressed in ohms.

(ii)Resistivity:-
At a given temperature the resistance
R = ρ ℓ /A
2
ρ = RA / ℓ = (R π D ) / (4 ℓ)
Where ρ is the specific resistance or resistivity and is characteristic of the material of
wire.A = Cross-sectional Area of a wire, ℓ = Length of wire and D = Diameter of the
wire.

Circuit Diagram:- (To be drawn on 1st blank page)

Observation:- (To be written on 2nd blank page)

1. Range of ammeter = …...... mA to.......mA

2. Least count of ammeter = ........mA
3. Range of voltmeter = ……. V to…..V
4. Least count of voltmeter = ......V
5. Least count of metre scale = ...... m

OBSERVATION TABLE (To be written on 2nd blank page below observation)

For Resistance of the wire

Wire No Sr. No. Voltmeter reading V Milliammeter reading I

(Length) ( in Volt ) ( in mA)
(in cm) ( Applied Voltage ) (Current flowing through
the wire)

Wire 1 1
(Length
……. cm) 2

Wire 2 1
(Length
……. cm) 2

For diameter of the wire

Least count of screw gauge = …………….cm

Zero error of the screw gauge = ……………cm
Sr Linear scale Circular scale reading Total reading (in cm)
.no reading (N in cm) (in cm)

Wire 1 No.of Value Observed Correct

circular [n×(L.C)] D0=N+n×(L. ed
scale (cm) C) (in cm) D=D0+
division on c
reference (in cm)
line (n)

2
 3

Wire 2 1

Calculation:- (To be written on blank page after Observation table)

Mean diameter of the wire1 = _______cm

D=(D1+D2+D3) / 3 =…….cm
Mean diameter of the wire 2 = _______cm
D=(D1+D2+D3) / 3 =…….cm
From the graph
R 1 = (BC / AB) = ohm
From the graph
R 2 = (BC / AB) = ohm

Resistivity of given wire 1

ρ= RA / ℓ
= (R π D2 / (4 ℓ)
1
= ...........
= ...........Ohm.cm

Resistivity of given wire 2

ρ= RA / ℓ
= (R π D2 / (4 ℓ)
1
= ...........
= ...........Ohm.cm

Graph (To be drawn at the back of journal)

The potential difference across the wire (V) and the current (I) graph
for Wire-1 / Wire- 2
 The resistance of the given wire is determined by the slope of the graph.

Result:-

1. The potential difference across the given wire varies linearly with the
current. 2. Resistivity of wire1 = .............ohm-m
3. Resistivity of wire1 = .............ohm-m

Precautions:-

1. The voltmeter should be connected in parallel and the ammeter in series with the circuit

2. The key should be inserted only while taking observations, as excessive flow of current
causes unnecessary heating of the wire. Do not leave any loose connection

3. Zero error in measuring instruments (voltmeter, ammeter, metre scale) must be taken
Sources of Error:-

1. The wire used may not be of uniform area of cross-section.

2. Parallax error due to personal imperfect skills.

3. Loose connection.

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