EXPERIMENT: 1
AIM: To determine resistivity of two / three wires by plotting a graph for potential difference versus current.
APPARATUS: Resistance wire , an ammeter , voltmeter , Rheostat; one way plug key, An accumulator or dry
cells or a battery eliminator and connecting copper wires.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM: (ON WHITE PAGE)
THEORY:
Ohm’s Law states that when a steady current flows through a conductor, the ratio of the potential difference
between the ends of the conductor and the current flowing through it is a constant, provided the physical
conditions of the conductor such as length, temperature, density etc., do not change.
If V represents the potential difference between the two ends of a conductor and I the current flowing in it,
then
; Where R = Resistance of wire
OBSERVATIONS:
A. Least count of Ammeter =.......................ampere
B. Least count of Voltmeter = .....................volt.
C. Length of first resistance wire =…………………m
D. Length of second resistance wire =…………………m
E. Diameter of first wire =………………..m
F. Diameter of second wire =………………..m
OBSERVATION TABLE:
First wire Resistance Second wire Resistance
Ammeter reading Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading Voltmeter reading
S.No. (A) (V) R = V/I (A) (V) R = V/I
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CALCULATIONS: (ON WHITE PAGE)
RESULT:
1. The resistivity of first wire ………………..
2. The resistivity of second wire ………………..
PRECAUTIONS: (ANY THREE)
1. Clean the ends of the connecting wire with sand paper.
2. Ammeter and voltmeter should be of proper range.
3. A low resistance rheostat should be used. Rheostat must be connected through one of its lower
terminals and the upper terminal.
4. Ammeter is to be connected in series with the circuit and the voltmeter in parallel with the unknown
resistance i.e., the given resistance wire.
5. Positive of the ammeter and voltmeter should be connected to positive electrode of the battery.
6. The connections should be tight, short and straight.
7. The wires should only be connected at the terminals and not in between.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The instrument screws may be loose.
2. Thick connecting wire may not be available.
