Measurement of the low resistance by using Kelvin Double bridge method.

Aim: - Measurement of the low resistance by using Kelvin Double bridge method.

Apparatus: - Regulated dc supply-1no

Standard resistance coil-1no

Kelvin’s double bridge kit.

Digital multimeter-1no,

Patch codes.

Circuit Diagram: -

Theory: -

Kelvin’s bridge is a modification of whetstone’s bridge and always used in

measurement of low resistance. It uses two sets of ratio arms and the four terminal

resistances for the low resistance consider the ckt. As shown in fig. The first set of ratio P

and Q. The second set of ratio arms are p and q is used to connected to galvanometer to a

pt d at an Approx. potential between points m and n to eliminate the effects of connecting

lead of resistance r between the known std. resistance ‘s’ and unknown resistance R

.The ratio P/Q is made equal to p/q. under balanced condition there is no current flowing

through galvanometer which means voltage drop between a and b, Eab equal to the

voltage drop between a and c, Eamd.

Now

Ead=P/P+Q ; Eab=I[R+S+[(p+q)r/p+q+r]] --------------

(1)

Eamd= I[R+ p/p+q[ (p+q)r/p+q+r]] ---------------------------

(2)

For zero deflection->

Eac=Ead

[ P/P+Q]I[R+S+{(p+q)r/p+q+r}]=I[R+pr/p+q+r] ----

(3)

Now, if

P/Q=p/q

Then equa… (3) becomes

R=P/Q=S -

(4)

Equation (4) is the usual working equation. For the Kelvin’s Double Bridge .It indicates

the resistance of connecting lead r. It has no effect on measurement provided that the two

sets of ratio arms have equal ratios. Equation (3) is useful however as it shows the error

that is introduced in case the ratios are not exactly equal. It indicates that it is desirable to

keep r as small as possible in order to minimize the error in case there is a diff. between

the ratio P/Q and p/q.

R=P/QS

Observation Table: -

P (ratio arm

resistor)

Q (ratio arm

resistor)

Standard resistor

S

R measured

value

R actual

Procedure: -

1) The circuit configuration on the panel is studied.

2) Supply is switched on and increased upto 5v.

3) The unknown resistance is connected as shown .

4) The value of P,Q was selected such that

a. P/Q=p/q

5) S was adjusted for proper balance and balance value of s was balanced.

6) The value of known resistance was calculated.

Precautions-

1) Check all the connections before turning ON the power supply.

2) Do not exceed the value of 5v.

3) Note the readings accurately.

Result- The observed value of unknown resistance is

Viva Questions:1)Why this method is called as double bridge method?

2)Can this method be beneficial for measurement of low value of

resistance or not?