AIM To determine the resistance per cm of a given wire by plotting a graph of potential

difference versus current.

APPARATUS REQUIRED
Battery, key, rheostat, galvanometer, resistance wire (unknown resistance), connecting wires,
metre scale, sand paper.
PRINCIPLE It is constructed on the principle of Wheatstone bridge, i.e. when the bridge is
balanced,

where P and Q are known resistances,

R is a variable resistance and X is the unknown resistance.
To find the value of unknown resistance, the circuit is
arranged as shown in figure. The bridge can be balanced by moving the jockey over the wire.
For a given value R, the jockey is slided on the wire in such a way that galvanometer shows zero
deflection. If null point is obtained at C such that AC = l then, CB = 100-l. The resistance
between A and C is taken as P and that between C and B is taken as Q. Since the bridge wire
has uniform area of cross-section, P l and Q 100 -l .
Then,

From the principle of Wheatstone bridge, X

Or

Knowing the values of R and l, X can be found.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

PROCEDURE
1

Draw the circuit diagram as shown in figure above

Arrange the apparatus as per the circuit diagram

Clean the ends of the connecting wires with sand paper and make them shiny.

Make the connections as per circuit diagram. All connections must be neat and tight. Take
care to connect the ammeter and voltmeter with their correct polarity. (+ve to +ve and -ve
to -ve)

Determine the zero error and least count of the galvanometer and record them.

Adjust the rheostat to pass a low current.

Insert the key K and slide the rheostat contact to see whether the ammeter and voltmeter
are showing deflections properly.

Adjust the rheostat to get a small deflection in ammeter and voltmeter.

Move the jockey over the metre bridge wire till galvanometer reads zero. Record this
balancing length.

10 Take three more readings.

11 Measure the diameter of wire using screw gauge.

OBSERVATIONS
1. Zero Error
Zero Error of screw gauge = 0
Least count of screw gauge = 0.01cm

5. Observation Table for Ammeter and Voltmeter Readings

S No

Resistance
()

Position of
balance (cm)

Balancing
length (cm)

100-l

58.3

58.3

41.7

1.40

42.5

42.5

57.5

1.47

33.5

33.5

66.5

1.51

26

26

1.40

CALCULATIONS
Mean Value R = 1.45
Length of resitance wire = 46cm
Diameter of wire = 0.05 cm

Specific Resistivity = [(d2)/(4*l)]X = 6.18 x 10-5 ohmcm-1

RESULT
1. The resistance of the given wire = 1.45
2. The specific resistance of given wire is 6.18 x 10-5 cm-1.

PRECAUTIONS
1. All the electrical connections must be neat and tight.
2. The apparatus should be arranged according to arrangement diagaram.
3. The key should be inserted only while taking readings.