To find the value of an unknown resistance by using a meter bridge,why are the positions of $R$ and $S$ interchanged?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In a meter bridge experiment,the positions of the known resistance $(R)$ and the unknown resistance $(S)$ are interchanged to eliminate the end errors.
End errors occur due to the resistance of the copper strips at the ends of the meter bridge wire and the contact resistance at the terminals.
By interchanging the resistances,we take two sets of readings.
Let the true value of the unknown resistance be $S$ and the end errors be $\alpha$ and $\beta$.
In the first case,the balance condition is $\frac{R}{S+\alpha} = \frac{l_1}{100-l_1}$.
In the second case,after interchanging,the condition becomes $\frac{S}{R+\beta} = \frac{l_2}{100-l_2}$.
By taking the average of the two measurements,the systematic errors caused by the end resistance are effectively cancelled out,leading to a more accurate result.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The figure shows a meter-bridge circuit,with $AB = 100\, cm$,$X = 12\,\Omega$ and $R = 18\,\Omega$,and the jockey $J$ in the position of balance. If $R$ is now made $8\,\Omega$,through what distance will $J$ have to be moved to obtain balance? .............. $cm$

Difficult
View Solution

In a meter bridge experiment,resistances are connected as shown in the figure. Initially,resistance $P = 4\,\Omega$ and the null point $N$ is at $60\,cm$ from $A$. Now,an unknown resistance $R$ is connected in series to $P$,and the new position of the null point is at $80\,cm$ from $A$. The value of unknown resistance $R$ is

In a metre bridge experiment,the ratio of the left gap resistance to the right gap resistance is $2:3$. The balance point from the left is: (in $cm$)

In a meter bridge circuit, which part is called the battery arm and which part is called the galvanometer arm?

In a balanced meter bridge,the segment of wire opposite to a known resistance of $70 \Omega$ is $70 \text{ cm}$. The unknown resistance is (in $Omega$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo