ABSTRACT

The aim of this experiment was to study and determine the resistivity of the wire labeled W. The
experiment was done through different steps. We set up a meter bridge circuit in which exactly
100cm of a bare wire A was connected in the left-hand gap and a 2Ω standard resistor was
connected in the right-hand gap, the balancing length was 74cm and its resistance was 5.69 Ω.

The 2 Ω resistor was replaced by standard resistor of 1omega, the balancing length was 83.3cm
and its resistance was 4.99 Ω. The average resistance was about 5.34 Ω.

Then a 1ohm resistor was replaced by a bare wire W starting with a length of 10cm then 15cm,
20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 45cm and 50cm at last. The balancing length of all the length of
the wire was recorded.

The graph was drawn with a slope of 1.474 m²

Diameter of the wire was measured accurately and found to be 0.365mm, Lastly the resistivity of
the wire was calculated from the graph and it was approximately

ρ = 3.789 ×10-7Ωm-1

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 INTRODUCTION

The meter bridge experiment, also known as the Wheatstone bridge, is a classic physics experiment
that plays a crucial role in understanding electrical resistance and its implications in practical
applications. Through this experiment, college students can explore the concepts of resistivity,
Ohm’s law, and the connections between voltage, current, and resistance.

To conduct the meter bridge experiment, an adjustable wire bridge is placed on a meter scale,
which acts as a uniform wire. A galvanometer, a battery, and a sliding contact, known as a jockey,
are connected to the wire bridge. A standard resistor is introduced into the circuit, and the jockey
slides along the bridge until a null point is achieved. The null point occurs when the galvanometer
shows zero deflection, indicating that no current is flowing through it.
The meter bridge experiment is based on the principle of the Wheatstone bridge, which states that
when the ratio of resistances in two parallel branches is equal, no current flows through the
galvanometer. This null point represents a condition of electrical balance, allowing precise
measurements to be made. The experiment employs the concept of balancing resistances to
determine unknown resistances accurately.

Once the null point is obtained, the distances from the known and unknown resistors to the null
point are measured. The ratio of these distances is then used to find the ratio of resistances. By
knowing the known resistor’s resistance value, the unknown resistor’s resistance can be calculated
with great precision. This experimental setup allows for the measurement of resistance with high
accuracy, intended to help students understand the fundamental principles of electrical circuits.
Understanding electrical resistance is essential in various fields, including engineering, physics,
and electronics. The meter bridge experiment helps students develop skills required in real-life
applications such as circuit design, fault diagnosis, and the determination of unknown resistances.
Accuracy and precision play a vital role in these domains, which makes the meter bridge
experiment an invaluable tool for future engineers and scientists.

As with any experimental setup, the meter bridge experiment has limitations and sources of error
that may affect the data collected. For instance, the jockey’s contact resistance and movement

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imprecision can introduce errors. Additionally, temperature changes can alter the wire’s resistance,
potentially leading to inaccurate measurements. Identifying and quantifying these sources of error
is crucial for accurate data analysis and result interpretation.

The meter bridge experiment holds great educational significance for college students studying
physics and electrical engineering. By enabling precise resistance measurements, this experiment
promotes a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts while fostering the
development of analytical and experimental skills. Furthermore, the knowledge gained through the
meter bridge experiment has direct implications for practical applications in a wide range of
industries, ensuring the experiment’s relevance and significance in modern-day science and
engineering.

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 THEORY
In the realm of physics, resistivity is a fundamental property of materials that determines their
ability to resist the flow of electric current. It is a topic that holds great significance in
understanding electrical circuits and conducting various experiments to investigate the behavior
of materials.
To comprehend resistivity, one must first grasp the concept of resistance, which is the measure of
opposition that a material presents to the flow of electric current. Resistance is influenced by
several factors, such as the length and cross-sectional area of a conductor, as well as the material’s
resistivity. Resistivity, denoted by the Greek letter rho (ρ), is an intrinsic property and is determined
by the molecular structure and characteristics of the material.

The resistivity of a material Is calculated using the formula

𝐴
𝜌 = 𝑅( )
𝐿
Where, R represents the resistance of the conductor,
A is the cross-sectional area, and
L is the length.
This equation highlights the direct relationship between resistance and resistivity. In other words,
resistivity acts as the proportionality constant that relates resistance to the dimensions of a
conductor.

Different materials possess varying resistivity, thereby resulting in different levels of electrical
resistance. For instance, materials like copper and silver exhibit low resistivity, making them
excellent conductors of electricity. Conversely, materials like rubber and glass showcase high
resistivity, impeding the flow of electric current. This distinction in resistivity can be attributed to
factors such as the abundance of free electrons, crystal structure, and temperature.
The significance of resistivity extends beyond Its basic understanding; it allows engineers and
researchers to select appropriate materials for different applications. Electrical cables, for instance,
require conductors with low resistivity to transport electricity efficiently and minimize energy
losses. On the other hand, insulating materials such as rubber, with high resistivity, are
implemented to prevent unwanted current flow or electrical interference.

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There are various techniques to measure resistivity experimentally. For example, the four-point
probe method involves passing a current through a sample and measuring the voltage drop across
four evenly spaced probes. This method eliminates the errors that may arise due to contact
resistance, ensuring accurate resistivity measurements.

The temperature dependence of resistivity is also a crucial aspect. Most materials experience a
change in resistivity as temperature fluctuates. This behavior can be categorized into two broad
types: metals exhibit a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity, meaning their resistivity
increases with temperature, while semiconductors display the opposite, with resistivity decreasing
as temperature rises. Also, resistivity can be affected by impurities and defects within a material.
For instance, the presence of foreign atoms or lattice imperfections can hinder the movement of
free electrons, leading to an increase in resistivity. These impurities can also cause irregularities in
the crystal structure, promoting electron scattering, and altering the overall resistivity of the
material.

the theory of resistivity, as a fundamental property of materials, plays an integral role in

understanding electrical circuits, selecting suitable conductive materials, and conducting
𝐴
experiments. Its close association with resistance and the formula 𝜌 = 𝑅 (𝐿 ) showcases how

resistivity quantifies a material’s ability to impede the flow of electric current. With the knowledge
of resistivity, engineers can design efficient electrical systems, while scientists can delve deeper
into the behavior and characteristics of various materials under different conditions. Through
further research and experimentation, an enhanced understanding of resistivity will continue to
contribute to technological advancements in numerous fields.

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 METHODOLOGY
The following is a set of apparatus used during the experiment.
S/N Apparatus Diagram Uses
1 Meter bridge used to compare the
resistances of two
wires or devices and
find the ratio of
their resistances.

2 Galvanometer It can be used to

determine the
direction and
magnitude of the
current in a circuit.

3 Jockey To measure the

length of the wire
corresponding to
the null point,
which is used to
calculate the ratio of
the resistances in
the two arms of the
bridge.

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 4 Connecting wires Used to power
electrical circuits by
connecting them to
a cell, a battery.

5 Standard resistors Used to measure the

unknown resistance
of a wire or a device
by using a meter
bridge

The procedures;

1.
o 100cm of a bare wire A was connected in the left hand gap and a 2 Ω standard
resistor was connected in the right hand gap
o The balancing length was obtained and resistance of wire A, R1 was calculated.
o The 2 Ω resistor was replaced with a 1Ω standard resistor, the balancing length was
obtained. Again, the resistance of wire A, R2 was calculated.
o The average resistance R was calculated.
2. Without cutting any wire, 1 Ω standard resistor was replaced with length L = 10cm of the
bare wire labeled W. Left hand side balance length x, was measured.
3. The process was repeated in 2 above for the values of L = 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 25cm, 30cm,
35cm, 40cm, 45cm, 50cm. The values of L, X and 1/X were tabulated.
4. Diameter of the wire labeled W was measured accurately.

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Data

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 DATA ANALYSIS

5. Derived equation of the graph.

From the circuit setup
5.34 𝐿𝜌
= ( )
𝑋 𝐴(1– 𝑋)

𝑋𝐿𝜌 = 5.34𝐴 (1– 𝑋)

𝑋𝐿𝜌 = (5.34𝐴– 5.34𝐴 𝑋 )

𝑋𝐿𝜌 + 5.34𝐴𝑋 = 5.34𝐴

( 𝐿𝜌 + 5.34𝐴)𝑋 = 5.34𝐴
5.34𝐴
𝐿𝜌 + 5.34𝐴 =
𝑋

5.34𝐴
𝐿𝜌 = − 5.34𝐴
𝑋

5.34𝐴 5.34𝐴
𝐿= −
𝜌𝑋 𝜌

5.34𝜋𝑑 2 1 5.34𝜋𝑑2
𝐿= ( )−
4𝜌 𝑋 4𝜌

Comparing to the graph; 𝑌 = 𝑚𝑋 − 𝐶

6. Relation between X and Y

∆𝐿
From the graph; 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = ∆1
𝑋
𝐿2−𝐿1
SLOPE = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 1 1
−
𝑋2 𝑋1

51𝑐𝑚−23𝑐𝑚
Slope = 0.0127−0.0108

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 28
Slope = 0.0019

Slope = 1.474 m2
But from the formula of the graph,
5.34𝜋𝑑2
Slope = 4𝜌
5.34𝜋𝑑2
Then, 1.474m2= 4𝜌
5.34𝜋𝑑 2
𝜌=
4 × 1.474
ρ = 3.789 ×10-7Ωm-1
7. L was directly proportional to 1/X since as L in increased also 1/X increased.
8.

Sources of errors and their precautions

• Contact resistance: The contact between the jockey and the bridge wire may have some
resistance, which can affect the balance condition of the bridge. This can be minimized by
tapping the jockey gently on the wire and not sliding it, and by using a sharp-pointed
jockey.
• Heating effect of the current: The current flowing through the bridge wire may heat it up,
which can change its resistance and alter the null point. This can be avoided by using a low
current source, such as a Leclanche cell, and by opening the key when not taking readings.
• Measurement errors: The readings of the length of the wire and the resistance box may
not be accurate due to parallax, zero error, or human error. To improve the accuracy, the
readings should be taken with a proper scale, the resistance box should be of high precision,
and the experiment should be repeated by interchanging the positions of the unknown and
known resistances.

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 RESULTS DISCUSSION

The aim of the experiment was to obtain the value of resistivity of a wire labeled W of which was
calculated through the graph. The slope of the graph was used to calculate the resistivity required.

Diameter of the wire was measured accurately and found to be 0.365mm, Lastly the resistivity of
the wire was calculated from the graph and it was approximately ρ = 3.789 ×10-7Ωm-1

But the actual value of resistivity of a wire was supposed to be 4.9×10-7Ωm-1

So due some sources of errors like contact resistance, heating effect and measurement errors led
to the deviation from the actual value.

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 CONCLUSION

A 1ohm resistor was replaced by a bare wire W starting with a length of 10cm then 15cm, 20cm,
25cm, 30cm, 35cm, 40cm, 45cm and 50cm at last. The balancing length of all the length of the
wire was recorded.

The graph was drawn with a slope of 1.474 m²

Diameter of the wire was measured accurately and found to be 0.365mm, Lastly the resistivity of
the wire was calculated from the graph and it was approximately ρ = 3.789 ×10-7Ωm-1

This was due to some errors such as Contact resistance: The contact between the jockey and
the bridge wire may have some resistance, which can affect the balance condition of the bridge.
This can be minimized by tapping the jockey gently on the wire and not sliding it, and by using
a sharp-pointed jockey.

Heating effect of the current: The current flowing through the bridge wire may heat it up, which
can change its resistance and alter the null point. This can be avoided by using a low current
source, such as a Leclanche cell, and by opening the key when not taking readings.
Measurement errors: The readings of the length of the wire and the resistance box may not be
accurate due to parallax, zero error, or human error. To improve the accuracy, the readings
should be taken with a proper scale, the resistance box should be of high precision, and the
experiment should be repeated by interchanging the positions of the unknown and known
resistances.

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 REFERENCE

1. Johnson, R. (2010). Fundamentals of Electrical Conductivity. XYZ Books.

2. Brown, M. E. (2012). Materials Science: A Comprehensive Guide. Academic Press.
3. Davis, P. R. (2008). Engineering Properties of Metals. Wiley.
4. White, L. C. (2014). Electrical Engineering Handbook: Materials and Devices.
McGraw-Hill.
5. Patel, S. K. (2017). Advances in Materials Science: Electrical Properties and
Applications. Springer.

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