Wheatstone Bridge: No Current Flow?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of current in a Wheatstone bridge circuit, particularly focusing on the implications of zero potential difference between points and the resulting current flow. Participants explore theoretical aspects and practical implications of circuit configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if the potential difference between two points is zero, then no current flows, questioning the behavior of the Wheatstone bridge.
  • Another participant confirms the initial claim about zero potential difference leading to no current flow.
  • A participant proposes that since no current flows through the bridge, the two ends could be connected, simplifying the circuit analysis.
  • Concerns are raised about creating a node in the circuit by connecting the two ends, which could allow unintended current paths.
  • There is a reiteration that if there is no current flow through a resistor, the potential difference across it is zero, with agreement from other participants.
  • Some participants assert that joining multiple points of the same potential does not affect the circuit's behavior, suggesting it would yield the same results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between potential difference and current flow, but there is contention regarding the implications of connecting points in the Wheatstone bridge and the representation of the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effects of modifying the circuit by connecting points and the potential misrepresentation of the original circuit's behavior.

Faris Shajahan
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In a circuit if the potential difference between two points is zero, no current flows between the two points, right? Or am I wrong? I feel like I am wrong. If I am right, then in a Wheatstone bridge, no current passes through the bridge. Then instead of removing the bridge, why don't we connect the two points?
 
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Faris Shajahan said:
In a circuit if the potential difference between two points is zero, no current flows between the two points, right? Or am I wrong? I feel like I am wrong.

You are correct.

Faris Shajahan said:
If I am right, then in a Wheatstone bridge, no current passes through the bridge. Then instead of removing the bridge, why don't we connect the two points?

What do you mean by "removing the bridge"? What two points do you want to connect?
 
While solving a Wheatstone bridge problem, we removing the bridging resistor and consider it as a parallel combination of series combination of two resistors. (I am sorry if I made it complicated) So what I mean is instead since no current flows through the bridge we can say the potential difference at the two ends of the bridge is zero. Hence why don't we join the two ends of the bridge and consider the whole thing as a series combination of a parallel combination of two resistors?

Btw Am I also correct when I say if there is no current flow through a resistor, then potential difference across the resistor is zero?
 
That would create a node in the middle and allow currents to flow criss-cross, which is not possible with the originial circuit, hence that is a misrepresentation of the circuit.
 
Faris Shajahan said:
Btw Am I also correct when I say if there is no current flow through a resistor, then potential difference across the resistor is zero?
Yes.
Faris Shajahan said:
Hence why don't we join the two ends of the bridge and consider the whole thing as a series combination of a parallel combination of two resistors?
You can. It will give you the same result.
 
cnh1995 said:
Yes.

You can. It will give you the same result.
Ah, yes. Multiple points with the same potential are effectively the same point, makes no difference whether you join them or not.
 

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