Does a 10% Change in Power Supply Voltage Affect a Balanced Wheatstone Bridge?

In summary, if the power supply voltage changes by 10%, the balance of the bridge should not be affected because the values of the resistances will still be balanced. However, the bridge may need to be balanced again if the voltage increases. The condition for a Wheatstone bridge to be balanced is R1/R2 = R3/R4 and this does not depend on the supply voltage.
  • #1
munchy35
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Homework Statement



Suppose that in the course of a measurement the bridge is balanced and then the power supply voltage changes by 10%, what will happen to the balance of the bridge? Explain.

Homework Equations



No equations.

The Attempt at a Solution



When I think it out logically, I don't think the balance should be affected. Because if the voltage increases, the values of the resistances will still be balanced. Is this wrong?

But then I think if the voltage increases, you have to balance the bridge out again.
 
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  • #2
What is the condition for the four resistances to make a wheatstone bridge balanced? Does the supply voltage come into it?
 
  • #3
R1/R2 = R3/R4

i don't think these values would change if the voltage changes 10% during the measurements.
 

1. What is a Wheatstone Bridge?

A Wheatstone Bridge is an electrical circuit used for measuring resistance. It consists of four resistors connected in a diamond shape, with an input voltage applied across two opposite corners and a galvanometer or voltmeter connected across the other two corners.

2. How does a Wheatstone Bridge work?

A Wheatstone Bridge works by using the principle of balancing two opposing voltage ratios. When the bridge is balanced, the voltage at the center point (between the two middle resistors) is zero, indicating that the two ratios are equal and the resistance of the unknown resistor can be calculated.

3. What are the applications of a Wheatstone Bridge?

A Wheatstone Bridge is commonly used for measuring unknown resistances, such as in strain gauges, temperature sensors, and strain meters. It is also used in precision instruments and in circuit design to balance resistance values.

4. What are the advantages of using a Wheatstone Bridge?

One of the main advantages of a Wheatstone Bridge is its ability to accurately measure unknown resistances. It is also a simple and inexpensive circuit to construct, and can be used for a wide range of applications.

5. What are some common sources of error in Wheatstone Bridge measurements?

The accuracy of a Wheatstone Bridge measurement can be affected by factors such as temperature changes, imperfect resistors, and variation in power supply voltage. It is important to carefully design and calibrate the circuit to minimize these sources of error.

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