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Practical 26 The resistance of a thermistor

Purpose Safety

The aim of the experiment is to investigate how Eye protection is advised.

the resistance of an NTC thermistor changes with Take care not to spill the beaker, the water
temperature. will be hot.

mA

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Figure 1: Diagrams of the experimental arrangement

You will need:

• NTC thermistor connected to leads that
have been insulated with silicone jelly
• Variable voltage dc power supply (0 – 6 V)
• Milliammeter (0 – 100 mA)
• dc voltmeter (0 – 6 v)
• Beaker of water
• Thermometer (0 – 100 ºC) or
temperature sensor
• Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze and mat
• Set of connecting leads
• An ohmmeter can be used in place of the
power supply, voltmeter and milliammeter

Experimental instructions
Set up the circuit shown in the diagram and place the thermistor in the beaker of water
at room temperature. Measure the temperature of the water, the current shown by the
milliammeter and the voltage shown by the voltmeter (or the resistance shown by the
ohmmeter).
Heat the water and record readings of temperature, current and voltage roughly every 5 ºC.

Analysis and conclusions

Work out the resistance of the thermistor for each temperature value (V) and record
I
them in a table.
The calculation will be unnecessary if the ohmmeter is used since the resistance values
can be entered directly.
Plot a graph of resistance (y-axis) against temperature (x-axis).
Calculate the rate of change of resistance of resistance at four points on your graph.
Suggest the more sensitive range of the thermistor for use as a temperature-sensing device.

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