Physics Laboratory Manual

For

Course Code: PHY-1204

Course Title: Physics-II Sessional
Instructor: Muhammad Moazzam Hossen
Assistant Professor, Dept.of CSE

Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering

IIUC
 Contents
Instructions for Students

References

Experiment-1: Determination of the value of an unknown resistance by means of a post

office box.

Experiment-2: Experimental verification of the laws of series and parallel connections of

resistance by means of a post office box.

Experiment-3: Determination of the end corrections for a meter bridge.

Experiment-4: Calibration of a meter bridge wire.

Experiment-5: Determination of unknown resistance of the material of a wire by a meter

bridge.

Experiment-6: Determination of specific resistance of the material of a wire by a meter

bridge.

Experiment-7: Determination of the resistance of a galvanometer by half deflection

method.(Reference-Practical Physics, Dr. Giasuddin Ahmed and Md. Shahabuddin,

Page-382)

Experiment-8: Determination of the current sensitivity (figure of merit) of a

galvanometer. (Reference-Practical Physics, Dr. Giasuddin Ahmed and Md.

Shahabuddin, Page-379)

Experiment-9: Calibration of an ammeter by potential drop method with the help of a

potentiometer. (Reference-Practical Physics, Dr. Giasuddin Ahmed and Md.

Shahabuddin, Page-424)

Experiment-10: Calibration of a voltmeter by potentiometer. (Reference-Practical

Physics, Dr. Giasuddin Ahmed and Md. Shahabuddin, Page-429).

 Instructions for Students

Introduction
Physics is an experimental science. Advancements in physics throughout its history have
come about mainly driven by experiments. For you, the physics lab will be an opportunity
to have some fun with some hands-on experience with physics theories. Moreover, it will
be an opportunity for you to develop and enhance your skills of experimental observation,
data analysis and proper scientific documentation which are always important in a career
in science and engineering. So please look forward to use your laboratory time for a
gainful purpose.
This manual will provide the basic theoretical backgrounds and detail procedures of
various experiments that you will perform in the lab. Before that, here are some specific
instructions for you to follow while carrying out the experiments. It also outlines the
approach that will be undertaken in conducting the lab. Please read carefully the
followings.

Specific Instructions

1. You are expected to complete one experiement in each class. For that to happen,
you will have to come to the laboratory with certain initial preparation. The initial
preparation will involve a prior study of the basic theory of the experiement you
are going to take up as well as the procedure to perform it so as to have a rough
idea of what to do. In addition, it will also involve a partial preparation of the lab
report in advance as mentioned later in this section.
2. You must bring with you the following materials to the lab: This instruction
manual, A4 size papers for writing the lab report, graph sheets if necessary, pen,
pencil, measuring scale, calculator and any other stationary items required. On the
very first day of your lab class, bring also a file cover/folder with your name, roll
no., brance name etc. writen on it clearly and submit it to the instructor. The folder
will be used to store your laboratory reports regularly at the end of the classes. The
folder with your reports will be kept in the laboratory and will be returned to you
only after the course instructions are over.
3. The format of a lab report shall be as follows:
a. The first sheet will contain your name, branch name, roll number, date and
title of the experiment. The subsequent sheets will contain the followings in
that order.
b. The objective of the experiment, apparatus needed, and a brief theory with
working formulas and figures or diagrams whenever necessary.
c. Experimental observations. Data from experimental observations should be
recorded in proper tabular format with well documented headings for the
columns. The data tables should be preceded by the least counts of the
instruments used to take the data and numerical value of any constant, if
any, used in the table.
d. Graphs whenever applicable.
e. Relevant calculations, error analyses.
f. Final results along with error estimates.
g. Remarks if any.
h. Please DO NOT write the procedure of experiement anywhere.
4. As part of the initial preparation mentioned earlier, you are required come to the
lab ready with the items 3.a. and 3.b. above already writen in your report sheets.
This will save valuable lab time and help you to complete the rest of the
experiment within the alloted time.
5. After the completion of your data recording, switch off any power suply etc. used
and put back the components of the apparatus in their proper places. Complete the
rest of the relevant calculations and hand over the final report sheets to the
instructor before leaving the lab.
6. Last but not the least - please handle the instruments with care and maintain utmost
discipline and decorum in the lab.
 ● References

This manual was prepared with helps from several books, documentation provided by the
equipments vendors, and from several documents shared by others on the website. Though
it is not possible to mention all the individual sources, cited below is a list of books which
students may also find helpful for further reading.

⮚ “Fundamentals of Physics”, D. Halliday, R. Resnick and J. Walker, John Wiley

and Sons, Inc., New York, 2001.

⮚ “Practical Physics” , G . Ahmed and M. Shahabuddin, Hafiz Book Centre,

Bangladesh, 1969.

⮚ “Practical Physics”, G. L. Squires, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1985.

⮚ “Laboratory Experiments in College Physics”, C. H. Bernard and C. D. Epp,

JohnWiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1995.

⮚ “Practical Physics”, R. K. Shukla and A. Srivastava, New Age Internationa (P)

Limited,Publishers, New Delhi, 2006.

Experiment-1:
Name of the Experiment:
Determination of the value of an unknown resistance by means of a post
office box.

Theory:
If P and Q are the known resistances in the ratio arms and R that in the third arm the
unknown resistance S in the fourth arm is obtained, when there is no deflection of the
galvanometer, from the relation.
P R
=
Q S

R ×Q
⇒ S=
P
Apparatus:
1. P.O. Box
2. Unknown resistance
3. Power source (E)
4. Galvanometer (G),
5. Connecting wires, etc.

Circuit Diagram:

Figure: Wheatstone Bridge Network

Procedure:

(i) Connecting the galvanometer between D and K2 of the P.O. box. K2 being
internally connected to the point B. Connecting the poles of the cell E through a
rheostat. Rh to the point K1 and C. K1 being internally connected to A. Connecting
the unknown resistance S the points C and D.
(ii) Take out resistances 10 and 10 from the ratio arms BA and BC. Saw that all
other plugs in the box are tight. This means zero resistance in the third arm. Putting
the maximum resistance in the rheostat. Press the battery key K 1 and then press the
galvanometer. Next take out the infinity plug from the third arm and press the keys
as done before. If opposite deflection is obtained then the connection is correct. If
not check the connections again.
(iii) Then gradually reducing the resistance in the third arm until a resistance,
say R1, is found for which there is no deflection in the galvanometer when the
circuit is closed. Then the unknown resistance S is given by

( say 5 ohms)
(iv) If instead of null point, there is a deflection in one direction with R 1 and
opposite deflection with (R1+1) in the third arm, the unknown resistance is partly
integral and partly fractional i.e.; it lies between 5 and 6 ohms.
(v) Then took the resistance of 100 ohms in the arms P (BA) keeping 10 ohms

in the arm Q (BC) so that the ratio . Hence the null point should
occur when the resistance in the third arm is of some value between 10 R 1 and 10
(R1+1) i.e., between 50 and 60 {if R1 =5). Observing the opposite deflection and as
before narrow down the range to obtain the null point at R 2 = 53 (say). Then

ohms. In that case, the resistance is found correct to one decimal

place.

(vi) If the null point cannot be obtained at this state also i.e., if opposite deflections
are observed for R2 and R2 +1 (for 53 and 54) in the third arm, it lies between 5.3
and 5.4 ohms. Repeat the observations with 1000 ohms in P arm and 10 ohms in Q
 arm. The resistance in the third arm should between 530 and 540 for which
opposite deflections will be obtained. Narrow down the range to obtain a null point

at R3 = 535 (say). Then ohms (say). The resistance is now correct

to two decimal place.
(vii) If even at this stage there are opposite deflections for a change of resistance of 1
ohm in the third arm, the unknown resistance can be determined to the third
decimal place by proportional parts. But it is futile to expect that much accuracy
from the P.O. box. However, if it is desired to go further, proceed as follows:
Count the number of divisions for which the galvanometer is deflected when R3 is
put in the third arm. Suppose it is d 1 divisions to the left. If now for (R 3 +1) in the
third arm. The deflection is d2 to the right, then for a change of 1 ohm in the third
arm, the pointer moves through d1 + d2 divisions. Hence to bring the pointer to zero

of the scale a resistance is to be inserted in the third arm. Hence the

value of the unknown resistance S is given by .

(viii) While taking the final reading with the ratio 1000:10 reverse the current
and take mean value of S.
(ix) Then replace S by two unknown resistors and connect them individually as
series and parallel.
(x) Attach the resistances r1 and r2 in series as like in fig. b and determine the
equivalent resistance of the series combination by means of the P.O. Box. We have
to show that relation (1) holds good.
(xi) After measuring the resistances in series, then connect the two resistances in
parallel as shown in fig. b and determination the equivalent resistance of the
parallel combination as before. We have to show that relation (2) holds good.
Experimental Data:
Table (a): Resistance of S: For ratio 1:1
Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
10 10

Table (b): Resistance of S: For ratio 10:1

Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
100 10

Calculations:
For ratio 1:1
P R
=
Q S

For ratio 10:1

P R
=
Q S
Percentage of Error:
Result:
Discussion:
Experiment-2:
Name of the Experiment:
Experimental verification of the laws of series and parallel connections
of resistance by means of a post office box.

Theory:
Resistance are said to DC connected in series when they are connected with the end of one joined
to the beginning of the next and so on shown in figure: 2.
The equivalent resistance to a number of resistances connected in series is equal to the sum of the
individual resistance, i.e.
R=R 1+ R 2+ R 3+ … … … … … … … … … … .(1)
When resistances are arranged with their respective ends connected to common terminals, they are
said to be connected in parallel as shown in figure: 3.
The reciprocal of equivalent resistance to a number of resistances connected in parallel is equal to
the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances, i.e.
1 1 1 1
= + + +… … … … … … … … … … … .(2)
R R1 R2 R2
Measuring R1, R2, R3, etc. separately and the equivalent the relation (1) and (2) may be verified.

Apparatus:
1. P.O. Box
2. Unknown resistance ( 2 or more)
3. Power source (E)
4. Galvanometer (G),
5. Connecting wires, etc.
Circuit Diagram:

Figure 1: Wheatstone Bridge Network

Figure 3: Wheatstone bridge Network

(Parallel Circuit)
Procedure:
(i) Connecting the galvanometer between D and K2 of the P.O. box. K2 being
internally connected to the point B. Connecting the poles of the cell E through a
rheostat. Rh to the point K1 and C. K1 being internally connected to A. Connecting
the unknown resistance S the points C and D.
(ii) Take out resistances 10 and 10 from the ratio arms BA and BC. Saw that all
other plugs in the box are tight. This means zero resistance in the third arm. Putting
the maximum resistance in the rheostat. Press the battery key K 1 and then press the
galvanometer. Next take out the infinity plug from the third arm and press the keys
as done before. If opposite deflection is obtained then the connection is correct. If
not check the connections again.
(xii) Then gradually reducing the resistance in the third arm until a resistance, say R 1, is
found for which there is no deflection in the galvanometer when the circuit is
closed. Then the unknown resistance S is given by

( say 5 ohms)
(xiii) If instead of null point, there is a deflection in one direction with R 1 and
opposite deflection with (R1+1) in the third arm, the unknown resistance is partly
integral and partly fractional i.e.; it lies between 5 and 6 ohms.
(xiv) Then took the resistance of 100 ohms in the arms P (BA) keeping 10 ohms

in the arm Q (BC) so that the ratio . Hence the null point should
occur when the resistance in the third arm is of some value between 10 R 1 and 10
(R1+1) i.e., between 50 and 60 {if R1 =5). Observing the opposite deflection and as
before narrow down the range to obtain the null point at R 2 = 53 (say). Then

ohms. In that case, the resistance is found correct to one decimal

place.
(xv) If the null point cannot be obtained at this state also i.e., if opposite deflections are
observed for R2 and R2 +1 (for 53 and 54) in the third arm, it lies between 5.3 and
5.4 ohms. Repeat the observations with 1000 ohms in P arm and 10 ohms in Q
arm. The resistance in the third arm should between 530 and 540 for which
opposite deflections will be obtained. Narrow down the range to obtain a null point
 at R3 = 535 (say). Then ohms (say). The resistance is now correct
to two decimal place.
(xvi) If even at this stage there are opposite deflections for a change of resistance
of 1 ohm in the third arm, the unknown resistance can be determined to the third
decimal place by proportional parts. But it is futile to expect that much accuracy
from the P.O. box. However, if it is desired to go further, proceed as follows:
Count the number of divisions for which the galvanometer is deflected when R3 is
put in the third arm. Suppose it is d 1 divisions to the left. If now for (R 3 +1) in the
third arm. The deflection is d2 to the right, then for a change of 1 ohm in the third
arm, the pointer moves through d1 + d2 divisions. Hence to bring the pointer to zero

of the scale a resistance is to be inserted in the third arm. Hence the

value of the unknown resistance S is given by .

(xvii) While taking the final reading with the ratio 1000:10 reverse the current
and take mean value of S.
(xviii) Then replace S by two unknown resistors and connect them individually as
series and parallel.
(xix) Attach the resistances r1 and r2 in series as like in fig. b and determine the
equivalent resistance of the series combination by means of the P.O. Box. We have
to show that relation (1) holds good.
(xx) After measuring the resistances in series, then connect the two resistances in
parallel as shown in fig. b and determination the equivalent resistance of the
parallel combination as before. We have to show that relation (2) holds good.

Experimental Data:
Table (A): Resistance in Series Connection: For ratio 1:1
Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
10 10

Table (B): Resistance in Series Connection: For ratio 10:1

Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
100 10

Table (C): Resistance in Parallel Connection: For ratio 1:1

 Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
10 10

Table (D): Resistance in Parallel Connection: For ratio 10:1

Resistance in ohms Direction of
Remarks S
Arm P Arm Q Third arm R deflection
100 10
Calculations:
The Resistance in Series:-
Experimental Data :
For ratio 10:1
P R
=
Q S
Theoretical Data:
St =S 1 +S 2

Percentage of Error:

The Resistance in Parallel:-

Experimental Data:
For ratio 10:1
P R
=
Q S
Theoretical Data:
1 1 1
= +
S t S1 S 2

Percentage of Error:

Result:
The Observed and calculated values of the equivalent resistances in Series and Parallel
connection are closed to the absolute value of the resistances. By observation we found the
resistance in series …. ohm and in parallel ……ohm; where the calculated value of this
resistors in series …. ohm and in parallel…. ohm. They are equal within the limits of
experimental error. Again there may be leakage on the P.O. Box or the plugs are loosely
connected.

Discussion
Experiment-3:
Name of the Experiment:
Determination of the end corrections for a meter bridge.
Theory:
When a balance is obtained at the point N (say) of the wire applying the principle of

P lρ l l
Whetstone’s networks, we get = = = −−−−−−−−−−(i)
Q mρ m 100−l

Where P and Q are the resistance in the two gaps. l and m are the lengths of the bridge
wire on the left and hand side of the balance point and ρ is the resistance per unit length of
the wire.
Usually there is some resistance at the two end of the bridge wire due to soldering by
which the wire is joined to the copper plates. The bridge wire id also seldom exactly one
meter in length; the end of the wire from which length is measured may not exactly
coincide with zero of the meter scale. These errors are known as end errors. Due to these
errors, equation (i) has to be modified. The corrections are actually calculated in terms of
two definite length x and y are called end-corrections. Equations (i) then becomes

If the two resistances P and Q are interchanges, a new balance is obtained at N, if L is the
length of the wire at N from the left hand side (i.e., from zero), then

P
Calling the ratio =r and by solving the equation (ii) and (iii) we get,
Q

and
Apparatus:
1. A meter bridge
2. Power source (E)
3. Commutator (K)
4. Two resistance boxes
5. Galvanometer (G),
6. Connecting wires, etc
Circuit Diagram:

Fig: The Meter Bridge Network

Procedure:
(i) We connected the network as shown is Fig. For checking the corrections of the
connections, we put the jockey in the contact with the end A and end B of the
bridge wire. And we found opposite directions. So the directions of the
connections were correct.

(ii) Then we put a resistance in the left gap P and another resistance Q in the right
gap.

(iii) After that we tried to find out the balance point again.

(iv) Then we put a 1(say) ohm resistance in the left gap and 5(say) ohm resistance
in the right gap (P=1, Q=5) and we observed the balance point. After that we
reverse the connection and again observed the balance point. So that, we find
the length ‘l’.

(v) Then we interchanged the resistances as like in the left gap P=5(say) ohm and
in the right gap Q=1(say) ohm. Also observed the balance point in direct and
reverse connection. So that, we find the length ‘L’

(vi) Then we used almost two terms as P: Q ratio as 1:10 and 1:15 and repeated the
whole operations.
 (vii) Finally we calculated x and y from equation (iv) and then their mean values of
x and y.
Experimental Data:
No of
Resistance is ohms Ratio Balance Points
Obs mean mean
P x y
Left Right
r= Direct Reverse Mean
x y
Q cm cm
cm cm
gap gap 1 P cm cm cm
=
r Q
1
r=
P=1 Q=5 5
1
Q=5 P=1 1
=5
r
1
r=
P=1 Q=10 10
2
Q=10 P=1 1
=10
r
1
r=
P=1 Q=15 15
3
Q=15 P=1 1
=15
r

Calculations:
Deflection for total length=
1) For observation no.-01: x1=……………….. y1= ………………..
2) For observation no.-02: x2 =……………….. y2= ………………..
3) For observation no.-03: x3 =……………….. y3=………………..

Mean, x =…………… and Mean, y =…………….

Result:
Discussion:

Experiment-4:
Name of the Experiment:
Calibration of a meter bridge wire.
Theory:
It is often assumed that the meter bridge wire is uniform in cross-section and hence that
the resistance per unit length of its constant throughout its length. In practical
measurement it is better not make such assumptions. The purpose of the calibration of a
meter bridge wire is to reduce the reading of the bridge to what they would have been if
the wire would be uniform throughout its length.
Apparatus:
1) A meter bridge,
2) Cell (E),
3) Commutator,
4) Two Jockeys,
5) Zero-center Galvanometer (G),
6) Connecting wires, etc.
Circuit Diagram:

Circuits-Connections:
The positive of a battery E is connected to one end of the bridge wire through the key K 1
and the negative of battery id connected with the other end of the wire. The galvanometer
terminals are connected to the opposite terminals of a commentator K, the two other
terminals of which are connected to two jockeys J1 and J2 (fig).
 Procedure:
i) After completing the connection of the apparatuses with the meter bridge, then
at first we tried to find out the deflection of the galvanometer to the opposite
sides.
ii) Then we put Jockey J1 in contact with metal strip to which the left end of the
wire and the right jockey J2 on the 10 cm mark and obtained the deflections for
the direct and reverse currents.
iii) Then we put the jockey J2 fixed at 10cm mark place and the left jockey J1 at 20
cm mark and again obtained the deflections for the direct and reverse currents.
iv) Again we put the jockey J1 at 20 cm mark and the right jockey J 2 at 30 cm mark
and obtained the deflections.
v) Then we proceeded this way with the jockeys 10 division apart until J 2 put at
90 cm mark and J1 on the metal strip to which the right end of the wire is
connected and took the final reading.
vi) We also determined the effective lengths of the wire from the left end to the
right contact point in each case. If Dn is the galvanometer deflections when the
jockeys were placed at the two ends of the wire i.e., for a length 100 cm of the
wire and D were the deflections for an apparent length of the wire, then the
effective length is given be .
vii) We have drawn a graph with the apparent length as abscissa and effective
length as ordinate. It is a straight line.

Experimental Data:
Total
No Point of Deflection
Deflections length
of contact for total Effective length
from
Obs length
zero
J1 J2 Direct Reverse Mean
1 Strip 10 d1= 10 d1=D1=
2 20 10 d2= 20 D1+d2=D2=

3 20 30 d3= 30 D2+d3=D3=

4 40 30 d4= 40 D3+d4=D4=

5 40 50 d5= 50 D4+d5=D5=

6 60 50 d6= 60 D5+d6=D6=

7 60 70 d7= 70 D6+d7=D7=

8 80 70 d8= 80 D7+d8=D8=

9 80 90 d9= 90 D8+d9=D9=

10 Strip 90 d10= 100 D9+d10=D10=

Calculations:

Deflection for total length=

1) Effective length for 10 cm = D1=

2) Effective length for 20 cm = D2=

3) Effective length for 30 cm = D3=

4) Effective length for 40 cm = D4=

5) Effective length for 50 cm = D5=

6) Effective length for 60 cm = D6=

7) Effective length for 70 cm = D7=

8) Effective length for 80 cm = D8=

9) Effective length for 90 cm = D9=

 10) Effective length for 100 cm = D10=

Result:
We have drawn a graph with the apparent length as abscissa and effective length as
ordinate. It represents a straight line.
Discussion:

Experiment-5:
Name of the Experiment:
Determination of unknown resistance of the material of a wire by a
meter bridge.
Theory:
According to the diagram P and Q is the known and unknown resistance respectively and l
be the distance of the null point measured from the left end A of the meter bridge, then the
principle of the Wheatstone’s network we get,
P l
=
Q ( 100−l )
 P(100−l)
Q= −−−−−−(i)
l

Apparatus:
1) A meter bridge
2) Power source (E)
3) Commutator (K)
4) Resistance box (P)
5) The Specimen wire (X)
6) Galvanometer (G)
7) Connecting wires, etc.

Circuit Diagram:
 Fig: The Meter Bridge Network for Unknown Resistance

Procedure:
(i) After making connections as shown in the Fig. Before putting the specimen wire,
folded half inch of it at each end and put the folded portion within the binding screws of
the right gap. In the left gap we put resistance box (Shunt) R. Then insert 0.2 ohm
resistance in the left gap and moving the sliding contact. If the deflections are on the
opposite directions, the connections have been correctly made.
(ii) We moved the jockey along the bridge wire until the galvanometer deflection is
almost zero. Null point is being approached.
(iii) Then we started to take the readings of the experiment, along the bridge wire we
moved the jockey from the left end to the right end and tried to find out the null point by
the galvanometer. When we found the no deflection from the galvanometer, then we took
the length of the null point i.e., l.
(iv) For the true experiment, we took two readings for the known resistance as like as
direct and reverse connection. Firstly we took the directly reading and then we took the
reverse ones.
(v) Then we took more known resistances, repeating the operations, every time reversing
and directing the current. Then calculate the mean value of Q.
(vi) Then we carefully took the length L of the wire between the two bends with a meter
scale.
 (vii) Finally we measured the diameter (d) of the wire with the screw gauges at several
places with mutually perpendicular readings at each place
Experimental Data:
Known resistance Balance point (for l) cm P(100−l)
Q= Mean Q
P (100-l) cm l ohm
ohm Direct Reverse Mean ohm
2

10

Calculations:
Deflection for total length=
P (100−l)
1) For 1st observation: Q1 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
2) For 2nd observation: Q2 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
3) For 3rd observation: Q3 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
4) For 4th observation: Q4 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
5) For 5th observation: Q5 ¿ =¿
l
Mean, Q = ……………………..
Result:
The unknown resistance of the wire is ………………….. Ohm.
Discussion:

Experiment-6:
Name of the Experiment:
Determination of specific resistance of the material of a wire by a meter
bridge.
Theory:
According to the diagram P and Q is the known and unknown resistance respectively and l
be the distance of the null point measured from the left end A of the meter bridge, then the
principle of the Wheatstone’s network we get,
P l
=
Q ( 100−l )
P(100−l)
Q= −−−−−−(i)
l

If now L is the length of the experimental wire in centimeters then,

ρL
Q=
П r2
Q П r2
Or, ρ= −−−−−−(ii)
L
Where ρ is the specific resistance of the material of the wire and r is the radius of the
cross-section of the wire.

Apparatus:
1) A meter bridge
2) Power source (E)
3) Commutator (K)
4) Resistance box (P)
5) The Specimen wire (X)
6) Galvanometer (G)
7) Connecting wires, etc.

Circuit Diagram:
 Fig: The Meter Bridge Network for Specific Resistance

Procedure:

(i) After making connections as shown in the Fig. Before putting the specimen wire,
folded half inch of it at each end and put the folded portion within the binding screws of
the right gap. In the left gap we put resistance box (Shunt) R. Then insert 0.2 ohm
resistance in the left gap and moving the sliding contact. If the deflections are on the
opposite directions, the connections have been correctly made.
(ii) We moved the jockey along the bridge wire until the galvanometer deflection is
almost zero. Null point is being approached.
(iii) Then we started to take the readings of the experiment, along the bridge wire we
moved the jockey from the left end to the right end and tried to find out the null point by
the galvanometer. When we found the no deflection from the galvanometer, then we took
the length of the null point i.e., l.
(iv) For the true experiment, we took two readings for the known resistance as like as
direct and reverse connection. Firstly we took the directly reading and then we took the
reverse ones.
(v) Then we took more known resistances, repeating the operations, every time reversing
and directing the current. Then calculate the mean value of Q.
 (vi) Then we carefully took the length L of the wire between the two bends with a meter
scale.
(vii) Finally we measured the diameter (d) of the wire with the screw gauges at several
places with mutually perpendicular readings at each place.

Experimental Data:
(A) Reading for the balance point (Q):
Known resistance Balance point (for l) cm P(100−l)
Q= Mean Q
P (100-l) cm l ohm
ohm Direct Reverse Mean ohm
2

11

(B) Readings for diameter of the wire (d):

Linear scale Total Mean Radius
No of Circular scale Least count Fractional
reading d d r
obs reading cm part cm
cm cm cm cm
1

Calculations:
Radius of the wire:
Length of the wire:
P (100−l)
1) For 1st observation: Q1 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
2) For 2nd observation: Q2 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
3) For 3rd observation: Q3 ¿ =¿
l
 P (100−l)
4) For 4th observation: Q4 ¿ =¿
l
P (100−l)
5) For 5th observation: Q5 ¿ =¿
l
Mean, Q = ……………………..ohm
Q П r2
The Specific resistance of the wire, ρ= =¿
L
Result: The specific resistance of the wire is ………………………… Ohm. cm
Discussion: