EXPERIMENT

L!M
To find resistance of a given wire/standard resistor using metre bridge.

L!, PA RATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED

A metre bridge, a sensitive galvanometer, a resis_tance wire ~bout 1 m long (of material whose
resistance is to be determined), resistance box, a dry cell (or a battery eliminator), plug key,
jockey, connecting wires, sand paper and a screw gauge.

~ EORY
With the known resistance Pin' the left gap and the unknown resistance Sin the right gap of the
metre bridge, suppose the null point Bis obtained at a distance of I cm from the left end A By the
principle of Wheatstone bridge, ·
p R
---
Q s
or Resistance of wire AB R
--
Resistance of wire BC s
or l R
- - -
100-l S
-
[·.· Resistance ex: Length of wire]
or S= R[lO~-I] n;
\
 Chapter 4 : METRE BRIDGE

l . 9 RCUIT DIAGRAMS
e K
+ -
•

D s
n al b1

(11) 60 70 80 90 100
Q
Jockey/ •
C
l cm ► 11111 (100 - 1) cm
Plug key ►I
+
-

A C

·Galvanomet er L~~ii!!!~"_J~
(c) (b)
Fig. 4.5 Measurement of resistance by a metre bridge.
~ OC ED U RE

1. Draw a neat circuit diagram as shown in Fig. 4.S(a).

2. Assemble the required apparatus on the working table in accordance with Fig. 4.S(b).
3. Remove the insulation from the ends of the connecting wires by rubbing with a sand paper.
Tighten all the plugs in the resistance box by giving them a gentle twist.
4. Connect the resistance box R.B. across the left gap ab and the unknown resistance S across
the right gap a1b1 of the metre bridge. Connect a jockey and a sensitive _galvanometer
between the points B and D. Connect a dry cell between the points A and C through a plug
key K This arrangement forms the Wheatstone bridge shown in Fig. 4.S(c).
5. . To see that the ·connections are correct, take out some resistance R from the resistance box
R.B. and · e left end A and then at the
ases should be in opposite
't again, particul~rly the
continui
 LAB MANUAL PHYSICS-XII

. . . b x so that when the jockey is neartY.1n

R from the resistanced" O•sions) there 1s
6 Take out a smtable resistance •
no d efl echon
. in th
. . . b tw 30-70 cm iv1 , e
the middle of the wire (i.e., e een . B from the metre scale. Also note th
galvanometer. Note the position of the null pomt e
th t
resistance R introduced from e resiS ance box ~-Bd. t· n gets out oif scale, a shunt of a
· J e and its efiec 10 'J 1<no
If the current through the galvanometer is arg t rfior obtaining an approximate null point
. shout d be connec ted across the galvanome
resistance wire e balance point.
. . the exact .
However the shunt must be removed for obtaznzng . f
' h · slightly the value o resistance R and
7. Repeat the experiment three more timel~ byb c:gm~O - 70 cm divisions.
taking care that the null point always ies e een
8. Record all the observations in a tabular for~.

BOBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS . . .

Table 4 1 . Resistance of the given wue

Known resistance Position of null Ratio arms P,·a Resistance of wire

s.
No.
from resistance
box RO
point B
(cm)
Length AB =l
(cm) ·
LengthBC = (100-l)
(cm)
S=R (10~-l)o
1.
2.
3.
4. ..

5.

Mean value of S = ___ n

~ SULT
Resistance of the given wire = ___ n
r PRECAUTIONS

1. All the connections should be neat and tight.

2. The plugs in the resistance box must be kept tight by giving them a gentle twist after inserting.
3. The jockey should not be pressed too hard on the wire, as otherwise it will damage the
uniformity of the metre bridge wire. .
4. The battery circuit should be closed first before pressing the jockey on the bridge wire and
reverse order should be followed at the time of break.
5. Move the jockey gently over the bridge wire and do not rub it against the wire.
6. The current through the bridge wire should be passed for only as much time as is essential
for getting a null point.

7. The known resistance R should always be adjusted in such a way so as to get the null point
between 30-70 cm divisions.

8. The galvanometer should be shunted by a low resistance wire to avoid excessive current and
hence out of scale deflectio the bridge is not balanced. The h t must be
.
removed while getti,n • t. sun

~ URC~S OF ~~RO \
1. The bridge wire ma
of cross-section along its entire lemith.
 Chopter 4 : METRE BRIDGE

2. End corrections. The .resistance offered by the copper strips at the ends of the bridge wire
are called end resistances, errors due to these resistances are called end errors and corrections are
called end co1Tections. To avoid this error, the balance point should be obtained near the midpoint of
the wire. This error can be totally eliminated by interchanging positions of resistances R and S.
3. Due to prolonged flow of current, the wire gets heated up and its resistance changes.
4. The galvanometer pointer may not be exactly at the zero mark. It must be adjusted to zero
by gently moving the screw at the bottom of the front panel with the help of a screw driver.
 EXPERIMENT '_ A3
~
AIM

To verify the law of series combination of resistances using a metre bridge.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL Rr· QUIRED

...__
A mt--h~ bridge, a sensitive galvanometer, two resistance wires about 50 cm each (or two
resist~mce coil:-- R1 and R2 ), a resistance box, a jockey, a plug key, a dry cell or battery eliminator,
thick co1mecting ,,vires and a piece of sand paper.
THEORY

(a) Measurement of unknown resistance. With the known resistance R in the left gap and the
unknown resistance S(R 1 or R2 or series combination of R1 and R2 ) in the right gap of the metre
bridge, suppose the balance point is obtained at a distance l cm from the left end, then the
unknown resistance is given by .

S= Rc~-l)
(b) Law of series combination of resistances. When two resistances R1 and R2 are connected in
series, their equivalent resistance Rs is given by : · Rs = R1 + R2

- C IRCUIT D IAGRAM

E
, - - - - - - -+"'-i t--- - - - - - - - --- ~..-- - - - - - ,

R D

C,

- - - - - - 1cm -------.i
►I•
◄ (100-l)cm+I

Fig. 4.6 Circuit to study law of resistances in series.

43
 L.r-\U IV II \I " \ J I \'- • • • • ...., • - -

PROCEDURE
1. Draw neat circuit diagram as shown in Fig. 4.6 and assemble the required apparatus on the
working table accordingly. ·
2. Connect the resistance box R.B. across the left gap ab and the u~own resiS tance R1 across
the right gap a b of the metre bridge. Connect a jockey and a sensitive galvanometer between
1 1
the points B and D. Connect a dry cell between the points A and C through plug key K
3. To see that the c01mections are correct, take out some resistance R from the resistance box
R.B. and insert U1e plug in the key K. First press the jockey at the left end A and then at the
right end C of U1e bridge wire. The deflections in the two cases should be in opposite directions.
4. Adjust U1e resistance R from the resistance box R.B. in such a way that the balance point is
obtained nearly in the middle of the wire AC. Note the value of the resistance Rand the
position of the balance point R Take three sets of observations by slightly changing the value ,
of resistance R every time.
5. Now connect resistance R across the right gap a1 b1 in place of resistance R1 . Obtain null
2
point for it. Again take three sets of observations for resistance R2 •
6. Now connect both the resistances R and R in series (end to end), as shown in Fig. 4.6,
1 2
across the right gap a1 b1 . Ensure that the effective length of each resistance wire remains
unchanged. This means that at the point where the two wires are joined end to end, the
lengths of the ends that were inserted into the binding terminals in steps 5 and 6 should be
twisted together. Take three sets of observations for the null point of this combination.
7. Record your all observations in a tabular _form. .

~ BSE RVATION S AND CALCULATIONS .. .

Table 4.2 : For determining resistances R R and R

1' 2 5

Known Position of Ratio arms P, Q ·: Unknown

Resistance s. resistance null point Length · ; ·-, Length resistance . Mean
No. from
R.B. = RO
B
(cm)
AB= l
(cm)
BC= (100 -1)
(cm)
S=R[l0~-1] g
unknown
resistance
1.
R1 2.
3. Ri = n
1.
R2 2.
3. Ri = n
R1 and 1.
R2 2.
in series 3. 1\ - n

Experimental value of series combinat· · f ..

ion o resistances R =
s --- 0
Theoretical value of series comb~ ·
esistances R'5 = R + R _
1 2 ----

~ SU

erimental and th th . values of .

e eoretical the series
W of combinati
on o f senes
. stands
verified.
 Chapte r 4 METRE BRIDGE

~ ECAUTIONS
· 1. All the com1ections should be and light.
t1l'i.ll"

2. The plugs in the resistance box must be kept tight by giving them a gentle twist after inserting
them.
3. The jockey should not be pn'S!-w d too h«1nl on the wire, as otherwise it will damage the
uniformit y of thl' metre bridge wire. .
4. The battery circuit should he dosed first before pressing the jockey on the bridge wire and
reverse order should be followed at the time of break.
s. Move the jockey ~l'ntly over the bridge wire and do not rub it against the wire.
6. The current through the bridge wire should be passed for only as much time as is essential
for getting a null point.
7. The knm,vn resistance R should always.be adjusted in such a way so as to get the null point
behveen 30-70 cm divisions.
s. The galvanometer should be shunted by a low resistance wire to avoid excessive current and
hence out of scale deflection in it when the bridge is not balanced. The ..shunt must be
removed while getting the exact null point. ·
9. Ensure that the same lengths of resistance wires R1 and R 2 are used for determini ng R5 as
have been used for determini ng R1 and R2 individua lly.

~URC ES OF ERROR
1. The bridge wire may not be of uniform area of cross-sect ion along its entire length.
2 There may be end errors due to resistances of copper strips at the ends of the bridge wire.
3. Due to prolonged flow of current, the resistance wires may get heated up and their
resistances may change. -
4. The effective length~ of the resistance wires used while measurin g R5 may not be exactly
same as those used while measurin g .R1 and R2 individua lly.
 E N T

To verify the law of parallel combination of resistances using a metre bridge.

I.E PARATUS AND MATERIAL REQUIRED
A metre bridge, a sensitive about 50 cm each (or two
resistance coils cell or battery eliminator,
thick connectin

L!.HEORY
(a) Measureme R in the left gap and the
unknown resis
2 ) in the right gap of the
 . LAB MANUAL PHYSICS- XII

.
. t.is obtained
metre bridge, suppose the balance porn at a d"istance z cm from the left end, then the
.
unknow n resistance is given by
S= R(l00-1)
1
. f
(b) Law of parallel combinat~on o res1s_ . tan~ es· When two res1.stances R1 and R2 are connected in
_
parallel, their equivale nt resistance RP 1s given by R R
1 1 1 or RP 1 2
Rp = R1 + R2 R1 + Rz

l_g RCUIT DIAGRAM .

e K
.------ -±+11--=-= - - - - - - - - -~ .\-- - - ~

0 10

A Fig. 4. 7 Circuit to study law of

resistances in parallel.
Ii . 1 1 1 - - - - lcm ----~- -(100 -:l)cm ---.j

I PROCE DURE · -. . · · ' _

u..- 1. Draw a neat circuit diagram as shown in Fig. 4.7 and assemble the required apparatu s on the
working table accordingly. · -; ·.- _. ·:· _-_
2 Remove the insulation from the ends of the connecting wires by rubbing with a sand paper.
Tighten all the plugs in the resistance box by giving them a gentle twist.
3. Connect the resistance box R.B. across the left·gap ab and the unknow n resistance R across
1
the right gap a1 b1 of the metre bridge. Connect a jockey and a sensitive galvanom eter between
the points Band D. Connect a dry. cell between the points A and C through a plug key K
4. To see that the connections are correct, take out some resistanc e R from the resistanc
e box
RB. and insert the plug in the key K First press the jockey at the left end A and then at the right
end C <;>f the metre bridge wire. The deflections in the two cases should be in opposite directions.
5. Adjust the resistance R from the resistance box R.B. in such a way that the balance point is
obtained in the ~iddle of the wire AC. Note the value of the resistanc e Rand the position of
the balance point R Take three sets of observations by slightly changin g the value of
resistance R every time.
6. Now c~nnect resistance R2 across the gap a b in place of resistance R • Obtain null oint for
it. Again take three sets of observations for1 resistanc
1
e R • 2 p
2
7. Now connect both the resistances R in parallel in the sam b f th tre
1.. ·~ • • e gap a1 o e me
~.11.'"'r: 1
wire 1s same as it was while taking the
?I'
~
the length at the ends of each of which is
pt the same. Take three sets of observat ions
 Chopter 4 : METRE BRIDGE

l.9..ssERVATIONS AND CALCU LATION S

Table 4.3 : For determining resistances R1 , R2 and RP

Known Position of Ratio arms P, Q Unknown

s. resistance null point resistance Mean
Resistance No. Length Length
unknown
from
R.B. • RO
B
(cm)
AB = l
(cm)
BC = {100 - l)
(cm)
S= R[10~ -IJ n resistance
1.
Rl 2. Ri = n
3.
1.
Rz 2. Ki= n
3.
R1 and 1.
R2_ 2. Rs = n
in senes 3.

Experimental value of parallel combin ation of resistances, RP = ___ .0

Theoretical value of parallel combin ation of resistances, R~ _R_1_R_2_ =___ Q
R1 +R2
Difference = RP - R~ =___ .0
~SUL T
Within the limits of experim ental error, the experim ental and the theoret ical values of
the parallel
combination of resistances are equal. So the law of parallel combination of resistances stands
verified.
~ REC~UT IONS .
L All the connections should be neat and tight.
2. The plugs in the resistance box must be kept tight by giving them a gentle
twist after inserting.
3. The jockey shouid not be pressed too hard on the wire, as otherw ise it will damage
the
uniformity of the metre bridge wire.
4. The battery circuit should be closed first before pressin g the jockey on the bridge
wire and
reverse order should be followe d at the time of break.
5. Move the jockey gently over the bridge wire and do not rub it against the wire.
6. The current through the bridge wire should be passed for only as much time as is
essentia l
for getting a null point.
7. The known resistance R should always be adjuste d in such a way so as to get
the null point
betwee n 30-70 cm divisions. ·
8. The galvanometer should be shunted by a low resistance wire to avoid excessive current
and
hence out of scale deflection in it when the bridge is not balance d. The shunt must
remove d while getting the exact null point. be
1

~ URCES OF ERROR

., 1~ The bridge w· entire length.

. 2. There may be
of the bridge wire.
' 3. Due to prolo
',. ·:;. · resistances m heated up and their
4. The effective
t be exactly same as
those used w