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Familiarisation With Rheostatsexp6

The document outlines an experiment focused on rheostats, measuring potential differences across resistance elements, and understanding relative potential in a DC circuit. It details the objectives, apparatus, theory, procedure, observations, analysis, and conclusions drawn from the experiment, confirming the principles of Ohm's Law and the concept of relative potential. The experiment illustrates the operation of rheostats and their impact on current and voltage in electrical circuits.

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Bestowal Infotechs 2018
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24 views3 pages

Familiarisation With Rheostatsexp6

The document outlines an experiment focused on rheostats, measuring potential differences across resistance elements, and understanding relative potential in a DC circuit. It details the objectives, apparatus, theory, procedure, observations, analysis, and conclusions drawn from the experiment, confirming the principles of Ohm's Law and the concept of relative potential. The experiment illustrates the operation of rheostats and their impact on current and voltage in electrical circuits.

Uploaded by

Bestowal Infotechs 2018
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Familiarisation with Rheostats, Measurement of Potential

across Resistance Elements, and Introduction to Relative


Potential in a DC Circuit
Objective:

1. To understand the operation and application of rheostats in a DC circuit.


2. To measure the potential difference across various resistance elements.
3. To introduce and comprehend the concept of relative potential in a DC circuit.
Apparatus:
1. Rheostat
2. DC Power Supply
3. Voltmeter
4. Ammeter
5. Connecting Wires
6. Resistors of known values
7. Breadboard (optional)
Theory:
1. Rheostat:
• A rheostat is a variable resistor used to control the current in a circuit by adjusting the
resistance. It is typically used for fine-tuning the current or voltage in various
applications.
2. Potential Difference:
• The potential difference (voltage) across a resistor in a DC circuit is given by Ohm’s
Law: V=I⋅RV = I \cdot RV=I⋅R, where VVV is the potential difference, III is the
current through the resistor, and RRR is the resistance.
3. Relative Potential:
• The concept of relative potential refers to the measurement of voltage at different
points in a circuit relative to a reference point, usually taken as ground. It helps in
understanding the distribution of voltage across various components in a circuit.
Procedure:
1. Setup the Circuit:
• Connect the DC power supply to the circuit.
• Include a rheostat in series with the circuit to allow adjustment of current.
• Connect a known resistor in series with the rheostat.
• Connect the voltmeter across the resistor to measure the potential difference.
2. Calibration and Measurement:
• Set the rheostat to its minimum resistance and note the current flowing through the
circuit using the ammeter.
• Gradually increase the resistance of the rheostat and record the current and potential
difference across the resistor at each step.
• Ensure that the voltmeter is connected correctly in parallel with the resistor to
measure the voltage drop accurately.
3. Record Measurements:
• For each resistance setting of the rheostat, record the following:
o Rheostat resistance (Ohms)
o Current (Amperes)
o Potential difference across the resistor (Volts)
4. Introduction to Relative Potential:
• Add more resistors in series and measure the voltage across each resistor.
• Note the voltage drops and verify that the sum of the potential differences across all
resistors equals the total voltage supplied by the DC source.
• Observe how the potential difference varies across different points in the circuit
relative to the reference point.
Observations:
Rheostat Resistance Current Voltage Across Resistor
(Ohms) (Amperes) (Volts)

Analysis:
• Plot the graph of voltage versus current for different rheostat settings and compare
with Ohm’s Law.
• Analyse how the potential difference changes as the resistance of the rheostat is
adjusted.
• Confirm the concept of relative potential by checking that the total voltage in the
circuit is equal to the sum of individual voltage drops.
Conclusion:
• The experiment successfully demonstrated the operation of rheostats and their effect
on current and potential difference in a DC circuit.
• The measurements confirmed the relationship described by Ohm’s Law and illustrated
the concept of relative potential within the circuit.
• Understanding these principles is crucial for designing and analyzing electrical
circuits.

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