Expt.No.

Date: Potentiometer
Aim:
To compare the e.m.f of two given primary cells using potentiometer.
Apparatus Required:

• Potentiometer
• Daniel cell
• Leclanche cell
• Jockey
• Battery eliminator
• Resistance box
• Galvanometer
• One way key
• Two-way key
• Rheostat
• Connecting wires

Theory:
When a steady current flows through a resistance wire, the potential difference developed in the wire is directly
proportional to the length of the wire, If E1 and E2 are the emf's of a Daniel Cell and Leclanche Cell and l1 and l2 are their
respective balancing lengths, then E1 α l1 and E2 α l2 ie

Procedure

• Arrange the required materials on a table and make the connections as per the connection diagram.
• Tight the plugs of the resistance box.
• To test the connection, insert plug in the one way key k and also in between the terminals a and c of the two
way key. Introduce a sufficiently high resistance on the resistance box (HR).. Press the jockey at both end of
the potentiometer wire and note the deflection in galvanometer. If the galvanometer shows opposite
deflection, the connections are correct.
• Now, gently slide the jockey along the potentiometer wire and stop when null point is obtained.
• Measure the length l1 between this point and the end A of the potentiometer. It is the balancing length for the
cell E1.
• Disconnect the cell E1 by removing the plug from the gap ac of the two way key and connect the cell E 2 by

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 inserting plug into the gap bc of the two way key.
• Again slide the jockey along the potentiometer wire to obtain the null point. Measure the new balancing length
l2 for the cell E2 based on this point.
• Repeat the experiment by increasing the current by adjusting the rheostat and record the observations.

Precautions
1. The e.m.f. of the driver cell should be greater than that of the primary cells.
2. All positive terminals should be connected to one point.
3. Jockey should be pressed gently on the potentiometer wire to prevent formation of any kinks in it.
4. Position of rheostat contact should not be disturbed before finishing the task of finding the balance length with both
the cells.
5. Null points should be in the region between 300 cm- 800 cm of the wire .
6. All the connections and plugs should be tight.

Sources of Error
1. The area of cross section of the potentiometer wire may not be uniform throughout its length.
2. Avoid continuous discharge of the two cells whose emf are to be compared by keeping the keys open when E1 and E2
are not in use.
3. The length measurement may have error if the potentiometer wire is not taut and along the scale on the board.
4. Multiple key jockeys may not have correct alignment with the scale.
Result:
The ratio of emf (E1/E2) for Daniel cell to Leclanche cell = --------------.

Circuit Diagram

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Observation
Trial.no Balancing length Balancing length Ratio
when Daniel cell is in when lechlanche cell
circuit l1(cm) is in circuit l2(cm)

1
2
3
4
5
6

Calculations

1. E1/ E2= l1/l2 = 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Mean E1/ E2 =

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