How Does Switching the Battery and Galvanometer Affect a Wheatstone Bridge?

  • Thread starter modulus
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Bridge
In summary, when discussing a Wheat Stone Bridge, if the top and bottom pairs of resistances have the same ratio, no current will pass through the connecting wire. However, if the current enters from one junction and leaves the other, the galvanometer will not show any deflection. This is also true if the positions of the battery and galvanometer are switched, as long as the ratio of resistances remains equal.
  • #1
modulus
127
3
When we talk of a Wheat Stone Bridge, we say that if the two pairs of resistances in the top row, and the two in the bottom row have the same ratio of the value of their resistances, then no current flows through the connecting wire in the middle.

But, that applies if the current is entering from one junction, and leaving the other. What happens, if the electric field in the wires (battery) originates from someplace else, like the original position of the galvanometer? And the galvanometer is placed where the battery was in the original circuit?

Will the galvanometer show any deflection?
 

Attachments

  • Wheat Stone Bridge Dilemma.JPG
    Wheat Stone Bridge Dilemma.JPG
    8.7 KB · Views: 416
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you mean to switch positions between the battery and galvanometer then again the meter will not show anything. This is because the ratio of resistances in the switched configuration remains equal.
That is if [tex] \frac{R_1}{R_2}=\frac{R_3}{R_4}[/tex] is the ratio in the original configuration, then it is easy to see that [tex] \frac{R_1}{R_3}=\frac{R_2}{R_4}[/tex] which is the ratio in the switched configuration.
 

Related to How Does Switching the Battery and Galvanometer Affect a Wheatstone Bridge?

1. What is a Wheatstone Bridge?

A Wheatstone Bridge is a type of electrical circuit that is used to measure unknown resistances by comparing it to known resistances in the circuit.

2. How does a Wheatstone Bridge work?

A Wheatstone Bridge works by using a balance condition where the ratio of the two resistances on one side of the bridge is equal to the ratio of the two resistances on the other side. When this balance condition is met, there is no current flowing through the galvanometer, indicating that the unknown resistance is equal to the known resistance.

3. What are the components of a Wheatstone Bridge?

The components of a Wheatstone Bridge include four resistors, a power source, and a galvanometer. The resistors are arranged in a diamond shape with two resistors on each side of the bridge, and the power source is connected across one diagonal of the bridge.

4. What is the purpose of "Redone" in the term "Wheatstone Bridge - Redone"?

The term "Redone" in Wheatstone Bridge - Redone refers to the improved design of the circuit that was developed by Charles Wheatstone. This new design included the use of a galvanometer to measure the balance condition, making it more accurate and efficient than the original design.

5. What are the applications of a Wheatstone Bridge?

A Wheatstone Bridge is commonly used in electrical and electronic circuits to measure unknown resistances, such as in strain gauges, temperature sensors, and strain meters. It is also used in various scientific experiments and in industrial settings for precision measurements.

Similar threads

  • Thermodynamics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
16K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
329
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
17
Views
1K
Back
Top