A Wheatstone bridge is initially at room temperature and all arms of the bridge have same value of resistances (R1 = R2 = R3 = R4). When R3 resistance is heated to some temperature, its resistance value has gone up by 10%. The potential difference (Va - Vb) (after R3 is heated) is V. [figure]
- 1.05
- 0.95
- 0
- 2
Answer
(2) 0.95
Solution
Let R1 = R2 = R4 = R and, after heating, R3 = 1.1R. Take the bottom junction at 0 V; the top junction (positive plate) is at 40 V.
Left arm (R1, R2): Va = 40 R2R1 + R2 = 40 R2R = 20 V
Right arm (R3, R4): Vb = 40 R4R3 + R4 = 40 R2.1R
Vb = 19.05 V
Va - Vb = 20 - 19.05 0.95 V
Answer: (2)