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NEET PHYSICSCURRENT ELECTRICITYMedium

Question

The measurement of an unknown resistance R is to be carried out using a Wheatstone bridge. Two students perform an experiment in two ways. The first student takes R₂ = 10 \Omega and R₁ = 5 \Omega . The other student takes R₂ = 1000 \Omega and R₁ = 500 \Omega . In the standard arm, both take R₃ = 5 \Omega . Both find R = (R₂/R₁) × R₃ = 10 \Omega within errors. Consider the following statements: (a) The errors of measurement of the two students are the same. (b) Errors of measurement do depend on the accuracy with which R₂ and R₁ can be measured. (c) If the student uses large values of R₂ and R₁, the currents through the arms will be feeble. This will make the determination of the null point accurately more difficult. (d) Wheatstone Bridge is a very accurate instrument and has no errors of measurement.

Choose the correct option from the given ones:

A

(a) and (c) only

B

(c) and (d) only

C

(b) and (c) only

D

(c) and (d) only

Step-by-Step Solution

The accuracy and sensitivity of a Wheatstone bridge depend on the components and the current.

  1. Dependence on Accuracy (Statement b): The result R=R3R2R1R = R_3 \frac{R_2}{R_1} depends directly on the values of R1,R2,R_1, R_2, and R3R_3. Any error in measuring these known resistances will propagate to the result. Thus, errors depend on the accuracy of R1R_1 and R2R_2.
  2. Sensitivity and Current (Statement c): For the second student, using large resistances (1000Ω,500Ω1000 \Omega, 500 \Omega) significantly increases the total resistance of the circuit. According to Ohm's law (I=V/RI = V/R), this reduces the current flowing through the arms. A smaller current leads to a smaller deflection in the galvanometer near the null point, making it difficult to detect the exact balance point accurately. This lack of sensitivity increases experimental error.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from CURRENT ELECTRICITY. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSCURRENT ELECTRICITYmeasurementunknownresistancecarriedwheatstone

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