A potentiometer wire has a uniform cross-section and a total length of 10 m. If
Practice Questions
Q1
A potentiometer wire has a uniform cross-section and a total length of 10 m. If a potential difference of 5 V is applied across it, what is the potential gradient?
0.5 V/m
1 V/m
2 V/m
5 V/m
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A potentiometer wire has a uniform cross-section and a total length of 10 m. If a potential difference of 5 V is applied across it, what is the potential gradient?
Correct Answer: 0.5 V/m
Step 1: Identify the total length of the potentiometer wire, which is given as 10 meters.
Step 2: Identify the potential difference applied across the wire, which is given as 5 volts.
Step 3: Use the formula for potential gradient, which is V/L, where V is the potential difference and L is the length of the wire.
Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula: V = 5 V and L = 10 m.
Step 5: Calculate the potential gradient: 5 V / 10 m = 0.5 V/m.
Step 6: Conclude that the potential gradient is 0.5 V/m.
Potential Gradient – The potential gradient is the change in electric potential (voltage) per unit length of the conductor, calculated using the formula V/L.
Ohm's Law – Understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, although not directly needed for this question, is fundamental in electrical concepts.
