BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY

PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

Experiment 1

Determination of the Specific Resistance (Resistivity) of a Wire Using a Metre Bridge

Theory:
To find the specific resistance (also called resistivity, denoted by ρ) of a wire, we need to first
find its resistance using a metre bridge.
1. Principle of Metre Bridge:
The metre bridge is based on the Wheatstone Bridge Principle, which states: “When the
bridge is balanced (no deflection in the galvanometer), the ratio of the two resistances in one
branch is equal to the ratio of the two resistances in the other branch.”
That means, If
X = unknown resistance (the wire to be tested),
R = known resistance from a resistance box,
l = balancing length from the left side A (where galvanometer shows zero
deflection),
Then ideally:
𝑋 𝑙
= 100−𝑙
𝑅

But due to small errors at the ends of the bridge wire, we include end corrections (x and y).
The corrected formula becomes:
𝑅(𝑥 + 𝑙)
𝑋=
(100 − 𝑙) + 𝑦

Now, if we interchange X and R in their positions and get a new balancing length l′, then:

𝑅((100 − 𝑙 ′ ) + 𝑦)
𝑋=
𝑙′ + 𝑥
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

2. Finding Specific Resistance (ρ):

Once we have X (resistance of the wire), we use the formula:
𝜌𝐿
𝑋=
𝜋𝑟 2

𝑋𝜋𝑟 2
Solving for ρ: 𝜌= 𝐿
Where:
ρ = specific resistance of the wire (in ohm·cm),
L = length of the wire (in cm),
r = radius of the wire (in cm),
π = constant (≈ 3.1416)
So, by measuring X, L, and r, we can calculate ρ.

Apparatus:
Metre Bridge – A 1-meter-long bridge wire mounted on a wooden base, used to compare two
resistances.
Galvanometer (G) – A sensitive device that detects small currents, used to find the null
point.
DC Power Supply (E) – Provides a small, constant electric current.
Rheostat (Rh) – Controls the current in the circuit smoothly.
Commutator (K) – Reverses current direction for checking balance.
Resistance Box (R) – A box containing known resistances, used as a reference.
Experimental Wire (X) – The wire whose resistivity is to be measured.
Connecting Wires – To complete the electrical connections.
Screw Gauge – To accurately measure the radius (r) of the wire.
Scale or Meter Ruler – To measure the length (L) of the wire used.
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

Figure-1: Meter Bridge Connection

Procedure (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Set Up the Circuit
• Connect the circuit as shown in the diagram (Fig.-1).
• Fold 1 cm of the wire at both ends at right angles and place the folded ends securely
inside the left gap of the metre bridge using binding screws.
• Insert a 1-ohm resistor from the resistance box in the right gap.
• Use a high resistance (e.g., 100 Ω or more) in the rheostat.
• Move the jockey (sliding contact) from one end of the bridge wire to the other.
If the galvanometer deflects in opposite directions at the two ends, your circuit
connections are correct.

Step 2: Find the Null Point

• Slide the jockey slowly until the galvanometer deflection becomes nearly zero.
This point is called the null point (balance point).

Step 3: Adjust Resistance R (if needed)

• If the null point is too close to one end, change the resistance R in the right gap to
bring the balance point closer to the centre of the wire.
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

• Now remove the shunt (key K) so the galvanometer becomes more sensitive.
• Record the exact null point length l₁.
• Reverse the current using the commutator and record the new null point l₂.
• Take the average of these two readings to reduce thermoelectric errors.
• Use the formula to calculate X (resistance of the wire).

Step 4: Interchange X and R

• Now swap the positions of X and R:
o Put R in the left gap,
o Put the experimental wire X in the right gap.
• Repeat Step 3 to find the null points for this configuration.
• Use formula (ii) to calculate a second value of X.

Step 5: Repeat with Two More Known Resistances

• Repeat the above steps with two other known resistances (e.g., 2 Ω and 5 Ω).
• Every time, reverse the current and take the average null point to calculate X.
• Take the mean of all calculated X values for best accuracy.

Step 6: Measure the Length of the Wire (L)

• Use a meter scale to measure the length between the two bends of the wire.
This is your L in cm.

Step 7: Measure the Diameter (d)

• Use a screw gauge to measure the diameter of the wire at multiple points.
• Take readings in two perpendicular directions at each point.
• Calculate the average radius (r = d/2).
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

EXPERIMENTAL DATA:
(A) Measurement of the Length of the Wire (L)
(Measure the length between the two folded ends of the experimental wire using a meter
scale)

Trial Measured Length (L)

(i) ___________ cm

(ii) ___________ cm

(iii) ___________ cm

Mean Length (L) = (i + ii + iii) / 3 = ___________ cm

(B) Measurement of the Diameter of the Wire
Micrometer Screw Gauge Constants:
• No. of divisions on the screw head = __________
• Pitch of the screw = __________ cm
Pitch
• Least Count = No. = = __________ cm
of divisions

Table – 1: Determine the diameter of the experimental wire.

No. of Linear Circular Least Value of Total Mean Instru- Correct
read- scale scale count circular reading mental diameter
ings reading division (L.C.) division (X+Y) error d
X n cm. Y=n×L.C cm. cm.
cm. cm.
1
2
3

Mean diameter of the wire, d = ------------ cm.

d
Mean radius of the wire r = 2 = ------------ cm.
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

(C) Readings for the balance point.

Table-2: Determine the unknown resistance of the wire.

No Known Position of Balance point (l or lˊ) 100- X Mean

of resistance Unknown Known Direct Reverse Mean l ohms X
obs R resistance resistance 100-
in ohms X R lˊ
1

CALCULATION: Specific resistance of the material of the given wire is

Xπd2
ρ= = ------------ ohm-cm at the room temp. ------------℃.0C
4L

RESULT: The specific resistance of the experimental wire is ------------ ohm-cm

DISCUSSIONS & PRECAUTIONS:

To get accurate and reliable results from this experiment, keep the following points in mind:
Precautions:
1. Keep the null point near the centre
– The balancing (null) point should be close to the middle of the bridge wire.
– If it’s too far from the centre, adjust the resistance in the box.
2. Check for loose plugs in the resistance box
– Even slightly loose plugs can introduce errors.
– Make sure all plugs are tight before taking any reading.
3. Measure the diameter (d) of the wire carefully
– Use a screw gauge correctly.
– Take multiple readings at different points and directions to get an accurate average.
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

4. Minimize thermoelectric effects

– If the null point changes a lot after reversing the current, the thermoelectric effect is
too strong.
– To reduce this, open the battery circuit and close the galvanometer circuit for a
moment. Use that deflection as your new reference zero.
5. Check the battery (cell) voltage
– A weak battery can cause fluctuating or unstable readings.
– Test it before starting the experiment.
6. Keep all instruments clean
– Dust or corrosion on terminals, resistors, or plugs can increase contact resistance.
– Clean equipment gives better accuracy.
7. Be aware of end resistances
– The copper strips and screws on the bridge introduce extra resistance at the ends.
– Use end corrections or take mean values (by interchanging X and R) to minimize
the error.
8. Ensure all connections are secure
– Loose wires or connections may lead to current loss or fluctuation.
– Always double-check before taking a reading.
9. Move the jockey gently
– Pressing too hard can damage the wire or produce false readings.
– Always slide the jockey smoothly and lightly along the bridge wire.

ORAL QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS:

1. Define specific resistance and state its unit.

Ans. Specific resistance of a material is the resistance of a unit cube. Its unit is ohm-cm.
2. On what does the specific resistance depend?
Ans. It depends on the material and its temperature. It is higher at higher temperature. It
does not change with length or diameter of the wire.
3. Why do you interchange the resistances of Meter Bridge?
Ans. The pointer which indicates the null point may not be situated exactly above the fine
edge of the jockey which makes contact with the bridge wire. This is known as tapping error.
This is eliminated by interchanging the resistances.
4. Why do you reverse the current?
Ans. Reversing the current eliminates the effect of thermo-current in the circuit.
5. While using a plug key as a shunt of the galvanometer, will you use it alone or with a
resistance?
Ans. The plug key should be used as a shunt with a resistance otherwise the galvanometer
may not show any deflection when the plug is put in the key because in that case all the
current passes through the shunt and no current passes through the galvanometer. When a
 BANGLADESH NAVAL ACADEMY
PHYSICS LABORATORY
MIST (ME, NAME, EECE), Level-1, Term-1
Subject Code: PHY102

resistance is used with the key, the galvanometer shows a deflection with the shunt and
without the shunt.
6. How does specific resistance depend on length, diameter, material and temperature?
Ans. Specific resistance of a given material does not change with length or diameter of the
wire, as according to definition it is constant quantity. But specific resistance changes with
material and for the same material it is higher at a higher temperature.

7. In measuring resistance why do you maintain the null point within the range of 45 to
55 cm?
Ans. It can be shown by calculus that if the null point is taken near about 50 cm of the
bridge wire, the proportional error in the measurement of unknown resistance will be
minimum.
8. Will you use a long wire or short wire?
Ans. Long wire is to be taken, because a small error in measuring the resistance or length
will not affect the result materially.
9. Does the resistance of a battery or galvanometer affect your result?
𝑃 𝑅
Ans. No, when the balance point occurs, the relation 𝑄 = 𝑆 is independent of the
galvanometer or battery resistances.
10. Why is the current reversed during the experiment?
Ans. To reduce thermoelectric effects or any systematic error. If the two null points (before
and after reversing) are different, their average gives a more accurate value.