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

AI Thread Summary
An op-amp comparator circuit can effectively monitor soil moisture levels by utilizing a voltage divider formed with soil resistance and a fixed resistor. When soil is moist, the resistance between two probes is low (1.3 kΩ), while dry soil increases resistance to 85 kΩ. The circuit should be designed to sense the mid-point voltage of this divider, triggering an alarm when moisture levels drop below a certain threshold. Positive feedback in the op-amp configuration enhances sensitivity and stability in detecting changes. Further assistance can be provided if the circuit design is shared for review.
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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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