Finding Potential Difference in a Potentiometer Circuit

AI Thread Summary
In a potentiometer circuit, the potential at point T is equal to E2 when the galvanometer reading is zero, regardless of the value of E1. The discussion clarifies that E2 is not directly connected to T due to the resistive wire lengths XT and TY, which introduce potential differences. To find the potential difference per unit length of the wire XY, one can use the formula E2 divided by the length XT. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving the problem effectively. The key takeaway is that the potential difference per unit length can be determined without needing E1, as long as E2 is known.
Janiceleong26
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is B. But I thought E1 needs to be be known first in order to find E2... And why not the resistance of the wire XY?

E1/ Rxy = E2/ Rxt

Then, in order to find Rxt, we need E1, Rxy and E2?
 
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Suppose that you know E2. What can you say about the potential at T with respect to X?

Note that you're looking for the potential difference per unit length, not the resistance or resistance per unit length.
 
gneill said:
Suppose that you know E2. What can you say about the potential at T with respect to X?

Note that you're looking for the potential difference per unit length, not the resistance or resistance per unit length.
E1-E2?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
E1-E2?
No. E2 is not connected to point T.
 
gneill said:
No. E2 is not connected to point T.
I'm confused .. Why isn't E2 connected to T?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
I'm confused .. Why isn't E2 connected to T?
Because there's the lengths XT and TY of resistive wire between E2 and T. There is some (unknown) current running through those lengths, causing potential differences.
 
gneill said:
Because there's the lengths XT and TY of resistive wire between E2 and T. There is some (unknown) current running through those lengths, causing potential differences.
Okay.. So the p.d. across XT is XT/XY x E1?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
Okay.. So the p.d. across XT is XT/XY x E1?
No. Forget about E1 for now; you don't have a value for it. What you are to assume is that you know E2, and that the galvanometer reading is zero.
 
gneill said:
No. Forget about E1 for now; you don't have a value for it. What you are to assume is that you know E2, and that the galvanometer reading is zero.
Potential at T is equal to E2
 
  • #10
Janiceleong26 said:
Potential at T is equal to E2
Right! Note that it doesn't matter what E1 is. As soon as the galvanometer shows zero current, the potential at point T must match E2.

Can you now work out the potential difference per unit length of the wire XY?
 
  • #11
gneill said:
Right! Note that it doesn't matter what E1 is. As soon as the galvanometer shows zero current, the potential at point T must match E2.

Can you now work out the potential difference per unit length of the wire XY?
Yeah! It's E2 divide by the length XT. Thanks !
 
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