Potentiometers

Potentiometer is used for the measurement of emfs by comparison with a standard emf.
Potentiometers with Direct current:
As shown in the fig. AB is a slide wire of uniform
cross section R is a regulating resistance to limit the
current (i) through the slide wire.
B1 is a battery whose emf is to be measured
G is the DC1 galvanometer
B is the battery which supplies current to the slide
wire
Let is the (resistance / unit length) of slide wire i is the current through the slide wire when
key K is open, when the key k is closed a current will flow through the galvanometer if the volt
drop across AC slide wire is not equal to B1. The sliding contact C is adjusted till no current
flows through the galvanometer that implies the volt drop across AC is equal to B1. Let length of
AC is l 1 then volt drop is il1 it is equal to B1.
Simillarly B1 is replaced by another emf B2 and the contact point C is varied till null deflection of
galvanometer. Let the lenth is L2 then B2 = i l2
E1

emf of battery B1

E2

emf of battery B1

E1

= ir l1

E2 = i

l2

E1 l1

E2 l2
If E1 is a known emf then E2 can be calculated by measuring the length l1 & l2.
E 2 E1

l2
l1

The crompton potentiometer

Construction:
1. It consists of a graduated slide wire Ac
which is connected in series with 14
coils, each of which has a resistance
exactly equal to that of slide wire.

2. There are two moving contacts P1 & P2.

Sliding over the slide wire & studes of the
resistance coils.
3. B is the supply battery of 2v.
4. R1 & R2 are two variable resistars. R1 is for
coarse adjustment and R2 is for fine
adjustment.
5. Galvanometer G is connected in series with
a key and multi current switch by which
either the standard call on the unknown emf
is connected.
Operation:
The process of adjusting the working current so as to match the voltage drop across a portion as
standardization of sliding wire against a standard ref source is known. The potentiometer is first
standardized by connecting a standard call (Weston cell is used which volt = 1.0186). The P2
contact is placed at 1.0v and P1 at 0.0186 on the slide wire then the resistances R1 & R2 is
adjusted till null deflection of the galvanometer. Then the selection switch is switched to 1, 1 to
which an unknown emf is connected. Now P1 & P2 is adjusted till galvanometer shows null
deflection. The reading of the potentiometer will give the value of emf to be measured.
A.C Potentiometer
The principle of working of a AC potentiometer is same that of DC, only the difference is, in
d.c. only the magnitude of unknown emf and slide wire voltdrop made equal to obtained balance
but in AC the phase and magnitude of unknown volt and slide wire volt drop must be equal to
obtained balance.
There are two general type of AC potentials.
a. AC polar potentiometer - It measures the unknown voltage in polar form.
b. AC co-ordinate potentiometer It measures the rectangular co-ordinate of the voltage under
test.

Drysdale Tinsley Polar Potentiometer

Construction: It consists of an ordinary DC potentiometer except that the resistance coils are
non-inductively wound and the source voltage is phase shifting transformer instead of a Battery.
The phase shifting transformers (drysdale phase shifting) consists of a two phase station & a
single
rotor. The
position
of thetorotor can be changed by hand. A scale is provided on top
Whenphase
two phases
supply
is applied
tothese
read two
the angle
of
rotation
of
rotor
from its zero position.
phase stator wdh a Rotating
field of constant magnitude is produced
and hance an emf is induced in the rotor
wdg. The phase of it can be changed
relative to the stator
2