Problem 2.63 For the Wheatstone bridge circuit of Fig.

2-30, solve the following

problems:
(a) If R1 = 1 Ω, R2 = 2 Ω, and Rx = 3 Ω, to what value should R3 be adjusted so
as to achieve a balanced condition?
(b) If V0 = 6 V, Ra = 0.1 Ω, and Rx were then to deviate by a small amount to
Rx = 3.01 Ω, what would be the reading on the ammeter?

Solution:
(a) From Eq. (2.45),
R3 Rx R1 Rx 1 × 3
= , R3 = = = 1.5 Ω.
R1 R2 R2 2
(b)
V0
I1 I2

R1 R2

+ Ra Ia
V0 V1 V2
−
I3 R3 I4
Rx

KCL equations at nodes V1 and V2 are

I1 = I3 + Ia
I4 = I2 + Ia

KVL for the left loop and outside perimeter loop are

−V0 + I1 R1 + I3 R3 = 0,
−V0 + I2 R2 + I4 Rx = 0.

Also, for the upper triangle of the bridge,

I1 R1 + Ia Ra − I2 R2 = 0.

Simultaneous solution of the five equations leads to

(R3 R2 − Rx R1 )V0
Ia = .
R2 Rx (R1 + R3 ) + (R2 + Rx )[R1 R3 + Ra (R1 + R3 )]

For R1 = 1 Ω, R2 = 2 Ω, R3 = 1.5 Ω, Rx = 3.01 Ω, and V0 = 6 V,

Ia = −2.5 mA.

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c National Technology and Science Press