How Can an Op-Amp Comparator Circuit Monitor Soil Moisture Levels?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing an op-amp comparator circuit to monitor soil moisture levels in a botanical laboratory. The circuit utilizes a voltage divider formed by soil resistance, which varies from 1.3 kΩ when wet to 85 kΩ when dry. Participants emphasize the importance of positive feedback in the op-amp configuration to ensure accurate moisture detection. The suggested approach includes using a Wheatstone bridge and understanding the voltage divider concept to effectively implement the circuit.

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  • Understanding of op-amp comparator configurations
  • Knowledge of voltage dividers and their applications
  • Familiarity with Wheatstone bridge circuits
  • Basic principles of electrical resistance and its measurement
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A botanical laboratory requires an op.amp. alarm circuit which will indicate when the soil in a plant pot is not moist enough. With the assistance of the in information below design such a circuit remembering to include suitable values for any resistors used.
when two copper probe wires are inserted into the soil 15cm and the soil is wet, the resistancw between them is 1.3kohms. However as the soil dries out the resistance increases and reaches a value of 85kohms when the soil is too dry.

All i know is to use a wheatstone bridge. from here i am lost can someone please help.
 
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Hint1: Form a voltage divider with that soil resistance and some other fixed, appropriate value resistor. Then sense the mid-point voltage of this voltage divider, using an opamp in the comparator configuration (just guessing this is what you are supposed to do, based on your thread title).

Do you know how to hook up an opamp to serve as a comparator? Hint2: positive feedback is the key (why?). Hint3, use google or wikipedia or your textbook if you don't know what a voltage divider or comparator configuration are.

Then show your work here if you are still having problems, and well see if we can offer more hints.
 

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