A potentiometer having 10 wires is more accurate than the potentiometer having 1 wire. Explain.

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A potentiometer is an electrical instrument used to measure the potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. It works on the principle that when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force that is perpendicular to both the magnetic field and the direction of the current. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the product of the current, the length of the conductor in the magnetic field, and the strength of the magnetic field.

A potentiometer with 10 wires is more accurate than a potentiometer with one wire because it has a much lower potential gradient. The potential gradient is the rate at which the potential changes along the length of the potentiometer wire. It is given by the formula:

Potential Gradient = ΔV / Δl

where ΔV is the potential difference between two adjacent points on the wire, and Δl is the distance between these two points.

In a potentiometer with one wire, the potential gradient is high because the entire potential difference is concentrated over the entire length of the wire. This makes it difficult to measure small changes in potential difference accurately.
In a potentiometer with 10 wires, the potential gradient is much lower because the potential difference is distributed over the 10 wires. Each wire carries a small fraction of the potential difference, making it easier to measure small changes in potential difference accurately.
Furthermore, a potentiometer with 10 wires allows for finer adjustments to be made to the length of the wire, which further improves its accuracy. By using a sliding contact to vary the length of the wire, the potential difference can be measured with high precision.

In summary, a potentiometer with 10 wires is more accurate than a potentiometer with one wire because it has a much lower potential gradient, which allows for smaller changes in potential difference to be measured more accurately.

Also check:

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A potentiometer having 10 wires is more accurate than the potentiometer having 1 wire. Explain.

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

2.
Write two advantages of reflecting telescope over refracting telescope.

3.
The resistance of a metal wire at \( 20^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.05 \, \Omega \) and at \( 100^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.38 \, \Omega \). Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of this metal.

4.
Consider the nuclear reaction \( X \to Y + Z \). Let \( M_x \), \( M_y \), and \( M_z \) be the masses of the three nuclei X, Y, and Z respectively. Then which of the following relations hold true?

5.
Two metal spheres of radii $r_1$ and $r_2$ ($> r_1$) having charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ respectively kept in air, are brought in contact. Which of the following statements is not correct ?

6.
With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the principle, construction and working of an a.c. generator.

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A potentiometer having 10 wires is more accurate than the potentiometer having 1 wire. Explain.

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

2.Write two advantages of reflecting telescope over refracting telescope.

3. The resistance of a metal wire at \( 20^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.05 \, \Omega \) and at \( 100^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.38 \, \Omega \). Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of this metal.

4.Consider the nuclear reaction \( X \to Y + Z \). Let \( M_x \), \( M_y \), and \( M_z \) be the masses of the three nuclei X, Y, and Z respectively. Then which of the following relations hold true?

5.Two metal spheres of radii $r_1$ and $r_2$ ($> r_1$) having charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ respectively kept in air, are brought in contact. Which of the following statements is not correct ?

6.With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the principle, construction and working of an a.c. generator.

Comments

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS LETTER

2.
Write two advantages of reflecting telescope over refracting telescope.

3.
The resistance of a metal wire at \( 20^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.05 \, \Omega \) and at \( 100^\circ \text{C} \) is \( 1.38 \, \Omega \). Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of this metal.

4.
Consider the nuclear reaction \( X \to Y + Z \). Let \( M_x \), \( M_y \), and \( M_z \) be the masses of the three nuclei X, Y, and Z respectively. Then which of the following relations hold true?

5.
Two metal spheres of radii $r_1$ and $r_2$ ($> r_1$) having charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ respectively kept in air, are brought in contact. Which of the following statements is not correct ?

6.
With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the principle, construction and working of an a.c. generator.