Question

Obtain the condition for bridge balance in Wheatstone’s bridge.

Answer 1

An important application of Kirchhoff’s rules is the Wheatstone’s bridge. It is used to compare resistances and also helps in determining the unknown resistance in electrical network. The – bridge consists of four resistances P, Q, R and S connected. A galvanometer G is connected between the points B and D. The battery is connected between the points A and C. The current through the galvanometer is I_G and its resistance is G.

Applying KirchhofFs current rule to junction B,

I₁ - I_G - I₃ = 0 ..........(1)

Applying Kirchhoff’s current rule to junction D,

I₂ - I_G  - I₄ = 0 .........(2)

Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage rule to loop ABDA,

I₁P + I_GG - I₂R = 0 ...........(3)

Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage rule to loop ABCDA,

I₁P + I₃Q - I₄S - I₂R = 0 ............ (4)

When the points B and D are at the same potential, the bridge is said to be balanced. As there is no potential difference between B and D, no current flows through galvanometer (I_G = 0). Substituting I_G = 0 in equation, (1), (2) and (3), we get

I₁ = I₃ .......... (5)

I₂ = I₄ .......... (6)

I₁P = I₂R ........... (7)

Substituting the equation (5) and (6) in equation (4)

I₁P + I₁Q – I₂R = 0

I₁(P + Q) = I₂(R + S) ............ (8)

Dividing equation (8) by equation (7), we get

This is the bridge balance condition. Only under this condition, galvanometer shows null deflection. Suppose we know the values of two adjacent resistances, the other two resistances can be compared. If three of the resistances are known, the value of unknown resistance (fourth one) can be determined.