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

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Collegedunia Team

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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:

  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 point charges -Q and Q are located at points (d, 0) and (0, d) respectively, in x-y plane. The electric field E at the origin will be:

      • \(\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \frac{\sqrt{2}Q}{d^2} (\hat{i} - \hat{j})\)
      • \(\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \frac{\sqrt{2}Q}{d^2} (-\hat{i} - \hat{j})\)
      • \(\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \frac{Q}{d^2} (\hat{i} - \hat{j})\)
      • \(\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \frac{Q}{d^2} (-\hat{i} - \hat{j})\)

    • 2.
      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.


        • 3.

          A rectangular loop of size 5 cm $\times$ 8 cm is lying in the $x$-$y$ plane in a uniform magnetic field $\vec{B} = (2.0\ \text{T})\hat{k}$. The total magnetic flux linked with the loop is:

            • 80 Wb
            • 16 Wb
            • \(8 \times 10^{-2}\) Wb
            • \(8 \times 10^{-3}\) Wb

          • 4.

            Consider a cylindrical conductor of length $l$ and area of cross-section $A$. Current $I$ is maintained in the conductor and electrons drift with velocity $\vec{v}_d$ ($|\vec{v}_d| = \frac{e|\vec{E}|}{m}\tau$), (where symbols have their usual meanings). Show that the conductivity $\sigma$ of the material of the conductor is given by

            $$\sigma = \frac{ne^2}{m}\tau.$$


              • 5.

                Find the ratio $\dfrac{\lambda_\alpha}{\lambda_p}$ of the de Broglie wavelength $\lambda_\alpha$ associated with an alpha particle to the de Broglie wavelength $\lambda_p$ associated with a proton if both are moving with the same velocity.


                  • 6.
                    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.

                      CBSE CLASS XII Previous Year Papers

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