Metre Bridge: R.

B (R) X

Metre Bridge is based

on the principle of G
Wheatstone Bridge.
A B
When the galvanometer l cm J 100 - l cm
current is made zero by
adjusting the jockey
K
position on the metre- E
bridge wire for the given
values of known and
unknown resistances,

R RAJ R AJ R l (Since,
Resistance α
length)

Therefore, X = R (100 – l) ∕ l
X 100
X X -l
R JB
Potentiometer: I
+

Principle: V
E A
0 l cm J 100
V=IR
A 200
= I ρl/A + 300
If the constant current flows Rh B 400
through the potentiometer wire
of uniform cross sectional area
(A) and uniform composition K
of material (ρ), then

V = Kl or Vαl

V /l is a constant.
V
The potential difference across any length of a wire
of uniform cross-section and uniform composition is
proportional to its length when a constant current
0
flows through it. l
Comparison of emf’s using
E1
Potentiometer: R.B
I + G
The balance point is +
obtained for the cell when E2
the potential at a point on E A
0 l2 J2
the potentiometer wire is 100
equal and opposite to the A 200 l1 J1
emf of the cell. +
300
Rh B
E1 = VAJ1 = I ρl1 /A 400

E2 = VAJ2 = I ρl2 /A
K
E1 / E2 = l1 /l2
Note:
The balance point will not be obtained on the potentiometer wire if the fall
of potential along the potentiometer wire is less than the emf of the cell to
be measured.
The working of the potentiometer is based on null deflection method. So
the resistance of the wire becomes infinite. Thus potentiometer can be
regarded as an ideal voltmeter.

End of Current Electricity