A Wheatstone bridge circuit is shown as below. Build (i.e., draw how you would connect the components) the Wheatstone bridge circuit on your breadboard.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To build a Wheatstone bridge circuit on a breadboard, components must be placed correctly to mirror the structure of the circuit diagram. The setup involves four resistors (R1, R2, R3, and Rx) forming a diamond shape, with a fifth resistor (Ra) bridging the midpoint. Proper connections ensure accurate measurement and functionality.
Breadboard Setup Steps:
- Insert R1 into the breadboard, connecting one terminal to a top-row hole and the other to a middle-row hole.
- Place R2 parallel to R1, ensuring one terminal is connected to the same top row and the other to the middle row.
- Position R3 so that one terminal is in the middle row and the other in the bottom row.
- Install Rx parallel to R3, maintaining connections between the middle and bottom rows.
- Add Ra between R1 and R3 at the middle row and between R2 and Rx at the middle row.
- Connect the positive terminal of voltage source Vo to the top row and the negative terminal to the bottom row.
- Attach V1’s positive terminal to the middle-row junction of R1 and R3.
- Link V1’s negative terminal to the middle-row junction of R2 and Rx.
Explanation: This circuit functions based on the principle of balancing electrical resistance. When R1/R2 = Rx/R3, the bridge achieves equilibrium, causing the voltage across Ra to be zero. This equilibrium allows unknown resistance (Rx) to be determined by adjusting known values of R1, R2, and R3. When an imbalance occurs, a measurable voltage develops, which can be analyzed using a voltmeter. The Wheatstone bridge is essential for precise resistance measurements and is frequently used in sensor applications and instrumentation. Correct arrangement on a breadboard ensures reliable functionality and accurate experimental results.
