AIM:

To compare the E.M.Fs of two given primary cells using potentiometer.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:
A potentiometer, Lachlanche cell, Daniel cell, battery eliminator, ammeter,
galvanometer, a rheostat of low resistance, jockey, one way key, two way key and connecting wires.

THEORY:
Potentiometer works on the principal that when a constant current flows through a wire
of uniform thickness and material, potential difference between its two points is directly proportional to
length of wire between the two points. i.e.
V∝l
V = kl
Where k is potential gradient.
When cell one is in the circuit at length l1 galvanometer shows zero deflection. So fall of potential along
length l1 is equal to E.M.F E1 of cell one i.e.
E1 = kl1 …………………… (1)
Similarly when cell two is in the circuit at length l2 galvanometer shows zero deflection. So fall of potential
along length l2 is equal to E.M.F E2 of cell one i.e.
E2 = kl2 …………………… (2)
From equation (1) and (2)
𝐸1 𝑙1
= ……………………..(3)
𝐸2 𝑙2

OBSERVATIONS:

1. Least count of ammeter = …………………… A

2. Range of ammeter = …………………… A
OBSERVATION TABLE:
Balancing length Balancing length
Ammeter Reading when cell E1 is in when cell E2 is in 𝐸1 𝑙1
Sl No. =
A (in Amp) circuit circuit 𝐸2 𝑙2
l1 (in cm) L2 (in cm)

CALCULATIONS:
𝐸1
Mean = ………………
𝐸2

RESULT:
The ratio of E.M.Fs of two primary cell is …………………..

PRECAUTIONS:

1. The connections should be tight.

2. The positive poles of battery eliminator E and cells E1 and E2 should all be connected at
same terminal of potentiometer.
3. The E.M.F of battery eliminator E should be greater than the E.M.F’s of either of the cell.
4. All the plugs of resistance box should be tight.
5. Move the jockey gently over potentiometer wire and do not rub it.
6. The key should be ON only when observations are taken to avoid heating of wire.
7. Set square should be used to note null point to avoid parallax.

SOURCES OF ERROR:

1. The instrument screws may be loose.

2. Thick connecting wires may not be available.
3. The wire of potentiometer may not have uniform thickness.
4. Temperature of wire may change due to passing current for longer period.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM: