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

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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:

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.
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.
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.
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 Concepts
Current Electricity Important Questions	Difference between emf and voltage	Electromagnetic Field
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Electrical Formula	Internal resistance formula	Permittivity And Permeability
Static Electricity	Difference Between Primary Cell and Secondary Cell	Derivation of Drift Velocity

1.
Two copper wires having their radii in the ratio of 3 : 2 are connected in series across a battery. Find the ratio of the drift velocities of the electrons in the wires.

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2.
This ‘average velocity’ is found be few mm/s for currents in range of a few amperes. How then is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ?

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3.
Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
In an experiment with convex lens of focal length f, the screen is fixed at a distance D from the object. A student slowly moves the lens away from the object towards the screen and finds that she is able to form sharp image of the object for two positions of the lens. The distance between these two positions of the lens is d.

4.
Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
A p-type or n-type semiconductor can be converted into a p-n junction by doping it with suitable impurity. The motion of majority charge carriers causes diffusion current across the junction while the barrier electric field causes motion of minority carriers for drift current. In case of unbiased diode, the diffusion and drift currents are equal. This equilibrium is disturbed by the biasing batteries. Diodes, therefore, allow currents in one direction. This property of diode is used in making rectifiers.

5.
An astronomical telescope consists of two converging lenses. One of them of large aperture and large focal length is called objective lens and the other one, of smaller focal length and smaller aperture is called the eyepiece. It is used to see distant objects which are not seen clearly with naked eyes. The image formed by the objective lens acts as an object for the eyepiece and the final image produced by the eyepiece is magnified.

6.
Capacitors are manufactured with certain standard capacitances and working voltages. However, these standard values may not be the ones that are actually needed in a particular application. Two or more capacitors can be grouped in series or in parallel to achieve desired capacitance and voltage. When connected in series, the total capacitance decreases while the voltage rating increases, whereas in parallel connections, the total capacitance increases and maintains the same voltage rating. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates and stored energy is proportional to the square of the voltage and capacitance $U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$, where symbols have their usual meanings.
Two capacitors, one of $3 \ \mu$F and the other of $6 \ \mu$F, are connected in series in the circuit as shown in the figure, for a long time. }

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

Related Questions

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

1.
Two copper wires having their radii in the ratio of 3 : 2 are connected in series across a battery. Find the ratio of the drift velocities of the electrons in the wires.

2.
This ‘average velocity’ is found be few mm/s for currents in range of a few amperes. How then is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ?

Similar Physics Concepts

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

Related Questions

CBSE CLASS XII Related Questions

1.Two copper wires having their radii in the ratio of 3 : 2 are connected in series across a battery. Find the ratio of the drift velocities of the electrons in the wires.

2.This ‘average velocity’ is found be few mm/s for currents in range of a few amperes. How then is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ?

Similar Physics Concepts

Comments

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS LETTER

1.
Two copper wires having their radii in the ratio of 3 : 2 are connected in series across a battery. Find the ratio of the drift velocities of the electrons in the wires.

2.
This ‘average velocity’ is found be few mm/s for currents in range of a few amperes. How then is current established almost the instant a circuit is closed ?