Wheatstone Bridge formula:

RESISTANCE THERMOMETER

The resistance thermometer or resistance temperature detector (RTD) uses

the resistance of electrical conductor for measuring the temperature. The
resistance of the conductor varies with the temperature. This property of the
conductor is used for measuring the temperature.

The resistance thermometer uses a sensitive element made of extremely pure

metals like platinum, copper or nickel. The resistance of the metal is directly
proportional to the temperature. Mostly, platinum is used in resistance
thermometer. The platinum has high stability, and it can withstand high
temperature.

The electrical resistance of a metal varies with temperature and this relationship is
usually expressed as
Pt= P0 ( 1 + aθ)
where Pt is the resistance at t°c temperature “P0, is the resistance at temperature of
0°C “α is a constant which depends upon the metal and is called the temperature
coefficient of resistance. Θ is the temperature difference.
Figure shows diagrammatically a resistance type of temperature measuring unit
using the well-known Wheatstone bridge principle. r1, r2 is a variable resistance
used for balance purposes; at balance we have:

R 1+r 1
R 4 +r= X (R 3+ r)
R 2+r 2

R 1+r 1
R 4= X ( R 3+r )−r
R 2+r 2

r is the resistance of each of the wires. Since each wire will be subjected to the
same temperature variation along its length their resistances will always be equal.
When the temperature detecting element is subjected to a temperature alteration its
resistance alters and the bridge balance is upset. By using the variable resistor r1,
r2 balance can be restored (i.e galvanometer reading returned to zero) and whilst
this is being done another pointer can be moved simultaneously and automatically
to give the temperature.