What is a metre bridge?

A metre bridge is an electrical device used to measure an unknown resistance using the
principle of a balanced Wheatstone bridge. It consists of a one-meter-long wire of uniform
cross-sec<on, stretched over a wooden or metallic scale.
2. What is the principle of a metre bridge?
The metre bridge works on the principle of the Wheatstone bridge, which states that in a
balanced condi<on, the ra<o of resistances in one arm is equal to the ra<o of resistances in
the other arm.
Formula:
where , , , and are the resistances in the four arms of the Wheatstone bridge.
3. How do you find the unknown resistance using a metre bridge?
To find the unknown resistance , the balancing length is noted when the galvanometer
shows zero deflec<on. The known resistance is placed in the other arm.
Formula:
where is the balancing length.
4. What is a balancing length in the metre bridge?
The balancing length is the length of the wire from one end of the bridge to the point where
the galvanometer shows zero deflec<on. It is used to calculate the unknown resistance.
5. What is a Wheatstone bridge?
A Wheatstone bridge is an electrical circuit used to measure an unknown resistance by
balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. The bridge is said to be balanced when the
galvanometer shows zero deflec<on.
6. What is the role of the galvanometer in the metre bridge?
The galvanometer is used to detect whether the bridge is balanced. It shows a deflec<on
when there is a current, and zero deflec<on indicates the balanced condi<on of the bridge.
7. What is the role of the jockey in the metre bridge experiment?
The jockey is a metallic rod with a pointed end used to make contact with the wire of the
metre bridge. It is used to find the balancing point by moving it along the wire.
8. Why is the wire in a metre bridge made of a uniform material?
The wire in a metre bridge is made of a uniform material to ensure that its resistance is
directly propor<onal to its length. This uniformity ensures accurate measurements.
9. Why is it important to ensure Ight connecIons in the metre bridge circuit?
Loose connec<ons can introduce addi<onal resistance in the circuit, leading to inaccurate
readings. Tight connec<ons ensure that the current flows through the intended path without
any interrup<ons.
10. What precauIons should be taken during the metre bridge experiment?
1. Ensure all connec<ons are <ght and secure.
2. Avoid parallax error while taking readings.
3. Use a jockey gently to avoid damaging the wire.
4. Take mul<ple readings to minimize errors.
11. What is the effect of temperature on the resistance of a wire?
The resistance of a wire increases with an increase in temperature. This is because higher
temperatures cause the atoms in the wire to vibrate more, impeding the flow of electrons.
12. What is the difference between resistance and resisIvity?
Resistance ResisIvity
Depends on dimensions Material-specific
 Measured in ohms (Ω) Measured in ohm-meter
13. Why is the length of the wire taken as 100 cm in a metre bridge?
The length of the wire is taken as 100 cm to ensure that the balancing point can be easily
measured in cen<meters, making calcula<ons straighSorward.
14. Why is a high-resistance wire used in the metre bridge?
A high-resistance wire is used to reduce the current in the circuit and to prevent overhea<ng
of the wire. It also ensures beTer sensi<vity of the galvanometer.
15. What is the formula for calculaIng the unknown resistance using a metre bridge?
where:
• = Unknown resistance
• = Known resistance
• = Balancing length
16. What is the role of the standard resistor in the metre bridge?
The standard resistor is a known resistance used to compare with the unknown resistance. It
is placed in one arm of the bridge to find the value of the unknown resistance.
17. How do you know if the metre bridge is balanced?
The metre bridge is balanced when the galvanometer shows zero deflec<on. This indicates
that the ra<o of the resistances in the two arms of the bridge is equal.
18. Why is it necessary to take mulIple readings in the metre bridge experiment?
Taking mul<ple readings helps to:
1. Minimize experimental errors.
2. Obtain accurate and consistent resistance values.
3. Ensure that the balancing point is correct.
19. What are some sources of error in the metre bridge experiment?
1. Loose connec<ons.
2. Parallax error while taking readings.
3. Inconsistent contact with the jockey.
4. Temperature varia<ons affec<ng the wire's resistance.
20. What is the significance of the null point in the metre bridge?
The null point, or balancing point, is the posi<on along the wire where the galvanometer
shows zero deflec<on. It is used to calculate the unknown resistance accurately.
21. Why is a metre bridge preferred over a simple Wheatstone bridge for pracIcal use?
The metre bridge is preferred because it allows for easier and more accurate measurement
of the balancing length. The uniform wire stretched over a scale makes it convenient to find
the null point.
22. What is the unit of resistance?
The unit of resistance is the ohm (Ω).
23. What happens if the balancing point is not found within the length of the metre bridge
wire?
If the balancing point is not found within the wire's length, it indicates that the chosen
known resistance is not appropriate. The value of the known resistor should be adjusted
accordingly.
24. How does the thickness of the wire affect the metre bridge experiment?
The thickness of the wire affects its resistance. A thicker wire has lower resistance, while a
thinner wire has higher resistance. Uniform thickness ensures accurate measurements.
25. Why is it important to disconnect the circuit when not taking readings?
Disconnec<ng the circuit when not taking readings prevents the wire from overhea<ng and
reduces the risk of damage to the components.
26. What is the role of the baOery in the metre bridge experiment?
The baTery provides the necessary poten<al difference to drive the current through the
circuit.
27. Why is a high-resistance galvanometer used in the metre bridge?
A high-resistance galvanometer is used to ensure that it does not draw significant current,
which could affect the balance of the circuit.
28. What is the significance of the raIo ?
The ra<o represents the ra<o of the resistances in the two arms of the metre bridge. It is
used to calculate the unknown resistance.
29. Why is the wire in the metre bridge usually made of manganin?
The wire in the metre bridge is o]en made of manganin because it has a low temperature
coefficient of resistance, ensuring that its resistance remains nearly constant with
temperature changes.
30. How do you ensure accuracy in the metre bridge experiment?
1. Use instruments with an appropriate least count.
2. Avoid parallax error while taking readings.
3. Ensure <ght and secure connec<ons.
4. Take mul<ple readings and average them.
5. Use a gentle touch with the jockey to avoid damaging the wire.