1. What is the Wheatstone Bridge?

The Wheatstone Bridge is a circuit used to measure an unknown electrical resistance by balancing two legs of a bridge circuit, one leg of which includes the unknown component. It provides highly accurate measurements of resistance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wheatstone Bridge formula:

Where:

• \( R_x \) — Unknown resistance (ohm)
• \( R_1 \) — Known resistance (ohm)
• \( R_2 \) — Resistance in second arm (ohm)
• \( R_3 \) — Resistance in third arm (ohm)

Explanation: When the bridge is balanced (no current through the galvanometer), the ratio of resistances in the two arms are equal.

3. Importance of Wheatstone Bridge

Details: The Wheatstone Bridge is fundamental in electrical measurements, used in strain gauges, thermistors, light detectors, and other precision resistance measurements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all known resistances in ohms. All values must be positive numbers. For best results, use precise measurements of known resistances.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What makes the Wheatstone Bridge accurate?
A: It measures resistance by comparison rather than absolute measurement, reducing errors from instrument calibration.

Q2: When is the bridge considered balanced?
A: When the voltage between the midpoints of the two voltage dividers is zero (no current through the galvanometer).

Q3: Can I use this for very small resistances?
A: For very small resistances, a Kelvin Bridge (modified Wheatstone Bridge) is more appropriate.

Q4: What affects the accuracy of measurements?
A: Precision of known resistors, sensitivity of the galvanometer, and contact resistances can all affect accuracy.

Q5: Can this measure other electrical properties?
A: With modifications, it can measure capacitance, inductance, and impedance (AC bridges).