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Physics Investigatory Project

This document describes a physics investigatory project to compare the EMFs of different cells using a potentiometer. It provides the theoretical background of how a potentiometer works based on the principle that potential difference is directly proportional to length. It then describes the construction of a potentiometer and the procedure to compare the EMF of two cells by balancing their potentials against the potential gradient of the potentiometer wire. The document lists the materials used and observations recorded when comparing the EMFs of different battery types experimentally versus their actual values. It concludes with precautions and possible sources of error in the experiment.

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6K views10 pages

Physics Investigatory Project

This document describes a physics investigatory project to compare the EMFs of different cells using a potentiometer. It provides the theoretical background of how a potentiometer works based on the principle that potential difference is directly proportional to length. It then describes the construction of a potentiometer and the procedure to compare the EMF of two cells by balancing their potentials against the potential gradient of the potentiometer wire. The document lists the materials used and observations recorded when comparing the EMFs of different battery types experimentally versus their actual values. It concludes with precautions and possible sources of error in the experiment.

Uploaded by

Anonymous 5Khggb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ESHANT

SETHI
XII B
PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Physics project work


on To compare/determine the E.M.Fs of the given
cells using potentiometer. is a bonafide record of
work done by Master ..................... under my
guidance and supervision.

TEACHER'S NAME:

THEORY:

A. Potentiometer is a device used to measure


the internal resistance of cell, to compare
the e.m.f. of two cells and potential
difference across a resistor.

B. Principle
It works on the principle that when a constant
current flows through a wire of uniform thickness and
material, potential difference between its two points
is directly proportional to the length of the wire
between the two points. It is a device used to
measure the internal resistance of a cell, to compare
the e.m.f of two primary cells etc.
V =IR

(1)

l
A

(2)

R=l

V=

Let

Il
l
A

k =I

l
A

(3)
= constant

i.e.,

v =kl

Where k is constant of proportionality. It is called


potential gradient along the potentiometer wire
and measured in Vm-1.

C. Construction
A potentiometer consists a long wire of uniform
thickness cross-sectional area, usually 4 to 10m long,
of material having high resistivity and low
temperature coefficient such as constantan or
manganin. These wires are stretched parallel to each
other on a board wooden board by the side at a metre
scale. The wires are joined in series by thick copper
strips. A battery of constant e.m.f is connected to
the ends P and Q of wire, called driving or auxiliary
cell, a jockey J, with a sensitive galvanometer G, is
made to slide on the wire PQ.

Similarly, a point at a distance

l2

from the zero end

of the wire PQ can be obtained with the cell

E2

where the galvanometer shows zero deflection, so


that again
E2=k l 2

Dividing equation (1) by (2),


E 1 kl 1 l 1
= =
E 2 kl 2 l 2
E 1 l1
=
E 2 l2

(2)

Materials Required:
Potentiometer, a galvanometer, a battery
eliminator, a rheostat of low resistance, a
resistance box, a one way key, a two way key,
jockey, a set square, connecting wires and a
piece of sand paper.

OBSERVATION:
1. E.M.F of battery eliminator
E.M.F of cells
Alkaline button cell
Button cell

=4v

= 1.86v
= 1.75v

AAA (nippo)
AAA (Eveready)

= 1.89v
= 1.80v

Dry cell (nippo)


AA (Eveready)

= 1.90v
= 1.78v

2. Readings
a)Comparison between button cell and alkaline cell:
Button cell ( E )
Alkaline cell ( E
1

= 1.86v
= 1.75v

RESULTS:
1)

2)

3)

Button cell and Alkaline cell:


E.m.f (actual) = 1.062
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.067
AAA cell (Eveready) and AAA cell (Nippo):
E.m.f (actual) = 1.05
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.052
A cell (nippo) and AA cell (Eveready):
E.m.f (actual) = 1.067
E.m.f (Experimentally) = 1.066

PRECAUTIONS:
1.

The connections should be neat, clean,


and tight.
2.
The plugs should be introduced in the
keys only when
the observations are to be taken.
3.
The positive poles of the battery E and
cells
E
and E should, all be connected to the terminal
at the zero of the wires.
4.
The jockey key should not be rubbed
along the wire.
It should touch the wire gently.
5.
The ammeter reading should remain
constant for a
particular set of observation. If necessary, adjust
the rheostat for this purpose.
6.
The E.M.F of the battery should be
greater than the
E.M.Fs of the two cells.
7.
Some high resistance plug should be
taken
1

out from resistance box before the jockey is moved


along the wire.

SOURCES OF ERROR:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The instrument may be loose.


Thick connecting wires may not be available.
Rheostat may have high resistance.
The auxiliary battery may not be fully
charged.
5. The potentiometer wire may not be of uniform
cross-section and material density throughout
its length.
6. End resistance may not be zero.

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