Why is voltmeter better than a potentiometer for measuring emf of cell?

Collegedunia Team logo

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

A voltmeter and a potentiometer are both used for measuring the emf of a cell. However, a voltmeter is generally considered better for this purpose due to the following reasons:

  1. Accuracy: A voltmeter provides a more accurate reading than a potentiometer. A voltmeter measures the emf directly, while a potentiometer measures the potential difference across a known resistor and then calculates the emf. Any errors or variations in the resistance of the known resistor can affect the accuracy of the reading.
  2. Ease of use: A voltmeter is easier to use than a potentiometer. A voltmeter can be connected directly across the terminals of the cell and the reading can be obtained immediately. On the other hand, a potentiometer requires a more complex setup involving a known resistor and a sliding contact to obtain the emf reading.
  3. Time-saving: A voltmeter is quicker than a potentiometer. A voltmeter provides an instant reading, while a potentiometer requires time for setting up the circuit and taking the measurement.
  4. Cost-effective: A voltmeter is more cost-effective than a potentiometer. A basic voltmeter is cheaper than a potentiometer, which requires a more complex setup involving a known resistor and a sliding contact.

Hence, due to its accuracy, ease of use, time-saving, and cost-effectiveness, a voltmeter is considered better than a potentiometer for measuring the emf of a cell.


Related Questions

  1. What is balance point in potentiometer?
  2. What are the types of potentiometers?
  3. Copper is not used as potentiometer wire because?
  4. Which Metal Is Used In Potentiometer?
  5. How does a potentiometer measure EMF?
  6. Sensitivity of potentiometer can be increased by__________.
  7. What is a DC Potentiometer?
  8. Why High Resistance Is Used In Potentiometer?
  9. State the Working Principle of a Potentiometer.
  10. How is potential gradient measured?
  11. What are the advantages of a potentiometer?
  12. What is a null point in a potentiometer?

Also check:

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

  • 1.
    Two thin lenses of focal length \( f_1 \) and \( f_2 \) are placed in contact with each other coaxially. Prove that the focal length \( f \) of the combination is given by \[ f = \frac{f_1 f_2}{f_1 + f_2}. \]


      • 2.
        Two small identical metallic balls having charges \( q \) and \( -2q \) are kept far at a separation \( r \). They are brought in contact and then separated at distance \( \frac{r}{2} \). Compared to the initial force \( F \), they will now:

          • attract with a force \( \frac{F}{2} \)
          • repel with a force \( \frac{F}{2} \)
          • repel with a force \( F \)
          • attract with a force \( F \)

        • 3.
          Draw the number of scattered particles versus the scattering angle graph for scattering of alpha particles by a thin foil. Write two important conclusions that can be drawn from this plot.


            • 4.
              The figure shows three point charges kept at the vertices of triangle ABC. The net electric field, due to this system of charges, at the midpoint M of base BC will be:

                • \( \frac{q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along MA
                • \( \frac{q}{\pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along AM
                • \( \frac{q}{2 \pi \epsilon_0 l^2} \) pointing along AM
                • Zero

              • 5.
                Two parallel plate capacitors X and Y are connected in series to a 6 V battery. They have the same plate area and same plate separation but capacitor X has air between its plates, whereas capacitor Y contains a material of dielectric constant 4. Calculate the capacitances of X and Y, if the equivalent capacitance of the combination of X and Y is \( 4 \, \mu\text{F} \). Calculate the potential difference across the plates of X and Y.


                  • 6.
                    Write any two features of nuclear forces.

                      CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

                      Comments


                      No Comments To Show