What is the formula for the equivalent resistance in a balanced Wheatstone bridg
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the formula for the equivalent resistance in a balanced Wheatstone bridge?
R_eq = (P + Q)
(R + S)
R_eq = P + Q + R + S
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the formula for the equivalent resistance in a balanced Wheatstone bridge?
Step 1: Understand that a Wheatstone bridge consists of four resistors arranged in a diamond shape.
Step 2: Identify the resistors: R1, R2, R3, and R4, where R1 and R2 are on one side and R3 and R4 are on the other side.
Step 3: Recognize that the bridge is balanced when the ratio of R1 to R2 is equal to the ratio of R3 to R4 (R1/R2 = R3/R4).
Step 4: In a balanced Wheatstone bridge, the current through the middle (the bridge) is zero, meaning no current flows through the bridge resistor.
Step 5: To find the equivalent resistance, use the formula for resistors in parallel: 1/Req = 1/R2 + 1/R4, where Req is the equivalent resistance across the bridge.
Step 6: Rearrange the formula to find Req: Req = (R2 * R4) / (R2 + R4).
