Why Did Our Geophysical Group Use a L&N Bridge Instead of a Slide-Wire Bridge?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice of using a Leeds and Northrup (L&N) bridge over a slide-wire bridge in a geophysical context, specifically related to measuring soil resistance for locating water in arid conditions. The original poster shares their experience and seeks reasons for this preference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to provide reasons for the preference of an L&N bridge, citing accuracy, portability, and potential issues with temperature affecting the slide-wire bridge. Other participants express uncertainty about the specifics of the L&N bridge and its components.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be ongoing, with participants exploring various reasons for the choice of equipment. Some guidance has been offered regarding the accuracy of the L&N bridge, but there is no clear consensus or resolution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of their exploration and the information available to them.

hamburgler
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My teacher gave us this problem to work on:

Homework Statement


Some years ago I worked with a geophysical group that was looking for water in the Yuma Arizona area. Boy what it hot! Because of the high temperatures in the summer, water was badly needed in large amounts to irrigate crops. Our crew inserted probes in the soil over large areas so we could measure the resistance of the soil and hopefully find water. The instrument that we used in this research was a Leeds and Northrup unit just like the one you used in your experiment. We did not use a slide-wire bridge. Give three reasons why a professional crew like I have described used a L&N bridge rather than the slide-wire bridge.

2. The attempt at a solution

1. A L&D bridge is far more accurate than a slide-wire bridge is in this situation.
2. It is more portable.
3. The heat may cause the wire in the slide-wire bridge to shrink/expand and cause discrepancies in the data.


The last two are just shots in the dark because I can't think of anything else beyond accuracy.
 
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No one?
 
Please? lol
 
I think 1) is because of 3) which is the correct answer. I am not very sure what an L&D bridge is though. I assumed they consisted of the arrangement of resistor boxes usually seen in labs.
 

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