Current Electricity Ques 11

11. Three resistances $P, Q, R$ each of $2 \Omega$ and an unknown resistance $S$ form the four arms of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. When a resistance of $6 \Omega$ is connected in parallel to $S$ the bridge gets balanced. What is the value of $S$ ?

(a) $3 \Omega$

(b) $6 \Omega$

(c) $1 \Omega$

(d) $2 \Omega$

[2007]

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 11.(a)

Solution:

  1. (a) A balanced wheatstone bridge simply requires

$\frac{P}{Q}=\frac{R}{S} \Rightarrow \frac{2}{2}=\frac{2}{S}$

Therefore, $S$ should be $2 \Omega$.

A resistance of $6 \Omega$ is connected in parallel.

In parallel combination,

$\frac{1}{R}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}$

$\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{6}+\frac{1}{S} \Rightarrow S=3 \Omega$

If the resistance is connected in parallel to the right gap resistor in the metre bridge, then balancing length increases and hence jockey moves towards right.