ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my respected Physics

teacher, [Teacher's Name], whose expert guidance, constant
encouragement, and insightful feedback made this project
possible. Their support throughout this academic journey has
helped me understand the fundamentals of electrical
measurements in a more practical way. I am truly thankful for their
patience and commitment to my learning, especially during the
experimental process and documentation phases.
I also wish to thank my school and the laboratory staff for providing
me with all the required equipment and facilities to successfully
carry out this project.
Last but not least, I am grateful to my parents and friends for their
continuous support, motivation, and belief in my abilities.
INDEX
1.Introduction to meter bridge
2. Meter Bridge
3.Introduction To Wheatstone Bridge
4.Wheatstone Bridge and Principle
5. Aim
6. Materials Required
7. Construction
8. Circuit Diagram
9. Formula
10. Expansion of Formula
11. Theory
12. Procedure
13. Observation Table
14. Calculation
15. Sources of Error
16. Precautions
17. Result
18. Conclusion
19. Bibliography

INTRODUCTION TO METER BRIDGE

A meter bridge is a commonly used laboratory apparatus in

physics, especially in experiments related to the measurement of electrical
resistance. It is named for the one-meter-long wire that forms the main part
of its structure. The device is mounted on a wooden or metallic base and
includes a uniform wire stretched across a calibrated scale. While it operates
on the principle of the Wheatstone bridge, its primary purpose in educational
settings is to help students understand and apply basic concepts of
electricity and resistance.

Unlike more complex electrical devices, the meter bridge is valued for its
simplicity and the hands-on experience it provides. It is not only effective for
understanding theoretical concepts but also for developing practical skills in
handling electrical circuits. While it has limitations in precision compared to
digital equipment, it remains a fundamental tool in introductory physics labs.
METER BRIDGE
A meter bridge is a simple and effective electrical
apparatus used in physics laboratories to measure unknown
resistance by comparing it with a known resistance. It is based on
the principle of the Wheatstone bridge, which is a circuit used to
find the value of an unknown resistor when the bridge is balanced.
The meter bridge consists of a one-meter-long uniform resistance
wire, mounted on a wooden or metallic base, with a scale marked in
centimeters or millimeters. Two gaps are provided where resistors
can be connected—one known and one unknown.

A galvanometer and a jockey (a movable contact) are used to detect

the null point along the wire. When the jockey touches the wire and
the galvanometer shows zero deflection, the bridge is said to be
balanced. At this point, the ratio of the lengths of the wire on either
side of the jockey is equal to the ratio of the resistances connected
in the two gaps. Using this relation, the unknown resistance can be
easily calculated.

The meter bridge is widely used in educational settings because it

demonstrates key concepts like resistance, current, and potential
difference in a hands-on manner. Though simple in design, it plays
an important role in understanding electrical circuits and
measurements.
INTRODUCTION TO WHEATSTONE BRIDGE

The Wheatstone bridge is a fundamental electrical circuit

used to measure an unknown resistance with high precision by
balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. It was invented by Samuel
Hunter Christie in 1833 and later popularized by Sir Charles
Wheatstone in 1843. The circuit consists of four resistors
arranged in a diamond shape: two known resistors, one unknown
resistor, and one variable resistor. A galvanometer is connected
between the two midpoints of the bridge, and a voltage source is
applied across the opposite corners.

When the bridge is balanced—meaning the voltage across the

galvanometer is zero—no current flows through it. At this point, the
ratio of the two known resistors is equal to the ratio of the unknown
and variable resistors. Using this relationship, the value of the
unknown resistance can be accurately calculated.

The Wheatstone bridge is widely used in both laboratory and

industrial applications for precise resistance measurement. It also
serves as the working principle behind various sensors, such as
strain gauges and temperature sensors. Its simplicity, accuracy,
and versatility make it a cornerstone in the study and application
of electrical circuits, especially in the field of instrumentation and
measurement.
 WHEATSTONE BRIDGE AND PRINCIPLE

The Wheatstone bridge is a precise and widely used

electrical circuit designed to measure an unknown resistance by
balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. The setup consists of four
resistors arranged in a diamond shape, with a galvanometer
connected between the two midpoints and a power source
applied across the opposite corners. Out of the four resistors, two
have known values, one is variable, and one is the unknown
resistance to be determined.

The Wheatstone bridge works on the principle of

null deflection, which means that when the bridge is balanced, no
current flows through the galvanometer. This occurs when the
ratio of resistances in one pair of the bridge is equal to the ratio in
the other pair. Mathematically, the balance condition is:

When this condition is met, the potential difference between the

two midpoints is zero, and the unknown resistance can be
calculated using the known values. This principle allows for
precise and accurate resistance measurements.
At this point, the unknown resistance can be calculated easily
using the values of the other three. The key advantage of the
Wheatstone bridge lies in its ability to provide very accurate and
sensitive measurements, especially when detecting small
changes in resistance.

In practical applications, the Wheatstone bridge is extensively

used in sensor-based technologies. For instance, strain gauges,
which are used to measure mechanical stress, rely on
Wheatstone bridge circuits to convert tiny resistance changes
into readable electrical signals. Similarly, in biomedical devices
and temperature sensing systems, it ensures accurate signal
detection. Its continued relevance highlights its importance in
both classical and modern electrical measurement systems.

Additionally, the Wheatstone bridge circuit plays a key role in

research and development fields, particularly in designing precise
instrumentation systems. It is also found in automated industrial
processes that monitor changes in environmental conditions like
pressure and humidity. In telecommunications and power
systems, it assists in fault detection by identifying variations in
resistance that signal a problem. Despite the development of
advanced digital instruments, the Wheatstone bridge remains
popular due to its simplicity, reliability, and low cost. Engineers
and physicists continue to use it as a reference standard for
calibration and teaching fundamental concepts in circuit analysis.
Its long-standing use across generations of technology highlights
the bridge’s versatility and its enduring role in both theoretical and
applied science.
Aim
To determine the value of an unknown resistance
using a meter bridge based on the principle of the
Wheatstone bridge

Materials Required
-> Meter bridge apparatus
- >Resistance box
- >Unknown resistor
- >Galvanometer
- >Battery (2V or 4V)
- >One-way key
- >Jockey
- >Connecting wires
- >Sandpaper
Construction
A meter bridge consists of a wooden or metallic
base with a one-meter-long uniform wire stretched
tightly across a graduated scale. This wire is made of
material with low resistance, usually manganin or
constantan.
Two gaps are present on the bridge to insert known
and unknown resistances. A galvanometer is
connected between the jockey and the central terminal
to detect the null point.
Arrange the apparatus according to the given
diagram .
Circuit diagram

Formula
R1 / R2 = L1 / L2
Expansion Of Formula

Symbol Expansion Unit

R1 Known Resistance(R-Box) ohm
R2 Unknown Resistance ohm
L1 Length From Left cm
End To Jockey
L2 100-L1 cm
THEORY
The meter bridge works on the principle of the
Wheatstone bridge. When the bridge is balanced, the
ratio of the resistances in the two arms equals the
ratio of the lengths of wire on each side of the jockey.
That is,

R1 / R2 = L1 / L2, so R2 = R1 × (L2 / L1).

The bridge is balanced when there is no
deflection in the galvanometer, which indicates that
the potential difference between the two points is
zero. This method is simple and provides reasonably
accurate values of resistance.
SERIES CIRCUIT
In a series circuit, resistors are connected end-to-end,
and the total resistance is the sum of the individual
resistances. The same current flows through all
components, but the voltage is divided across each resistor.
Series circuits are simple to design and are used where
devices are intended to function together, such as in
decorative lights

PARALLEL CIRCUIT
In a parallel circuit, resistors are connected
across the same voltage source. The total resistance
decreases as more resistors are added. Current divides
among the branches based on the resistance of each path.
This type of circuit is used in household wiring so that
devices operate independently without affecting others
Procedure
1. Connect the apparatus as per the circuit
diagram.
2. Insert a known resistance in one
gap and unknown in the other.
3. Close the key and use the jockey to
find the point of null deflection on the wire.
4. Measure the balancing length L1
from the left.
5. Calculate L2 = 100 - L1 and use the
formula R2 = R1 × (L2 / L1).
6. Repeat for different known
resistances.
OBSERVATION TABLE
SERIES CIRCUIT:
S.No R1(ohm) L1(cm) L2=100-L1 R2(ohm)
(cm)
1
2
3
4
5

PARALLEL CIRCUIT
S.No R1(ohm) L1(cm) L2=100-L1 R2(ohm)
(cm)
1
2
3
4
5

CALCULATION
Using the formula: R2 = R1 × (L2 / L1)
Example: If R1 = 5 Ohm, L1 = 60 cm,
then L2 = 100 - 60 = 40 cm
R2 =5 × 40 / 60 = 3.33 Ohm (Repeat similar calculations for
all entries.)
SOURCES OF ERROR
- The bridge wire may not be uniform.
- Loose connections may affect
readings.
- Galvanometer might have a zero error.
- Contact resistance from the jockey.
- Human errors in measurement.
PRECAUTIONS
- Ensure all connections are tight.
- Clean terminals before connecting.
- Do not press the jockey too hard.
- Use sandpaper to clean wire ends.
- Take multiple readings for accuracy.
RESULT
The value of the unknown resistance was
determined using the meter bridge setup.
CONCLUSION
This experiment successfully
demonstrates the use of a meter bridge in finding
an unknown resistance. The balance condition of
the Wheatstone bridge was verified, and the
calculated resistance values matched expected
results within experimental limits
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- NCERT Physics Textbook (Class 12)
- Physics Lab Manual (Class 12)
- www.learncbse.in - Wikipedia
- Wheatstone Bridge
- Physics Stack Exchange