What measuring device uses a galvanometer to measure resistance?

Prepare for the MTA Transit Electrical Helper Exam No. 4612. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

Multiple Choice

What measuring device uses a galvanometer to measure resistance?

Explanation:
The device that uses a galvanometer to measure resistance is a Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge is a circuit arrangement that compares an unknown resistance with known resistances to determine its value. It operates based on the principle of balancing two legs of a bridge circuit, where one leg contains the unknown resistor. When the resistance in the unknown leg is adjusted, a galvanometer is used to detect the null point at which no current flows through it, indicating that the resistances are balanced. While an ohmmeter also measures resistance and utilizes a galvanometer, it does so in a different manner where a current is passed through the resistor being measured and the galvanometer indicates the amount of current, which is then converted into a resistance value. However, the specific relationship to resistance measurement via circuit balance is a hallmark of the Wheatstone bridge. Other devices mentioned serve different functions: a voltmeter measures voltage across two points in a circuit, and an ammeter measures current flow through a circuit. Therefore, the Wheatstone bridge stands out as the measuring device that directly employs a galvanometer for resistance measurements in its operation.

The device that uses a galvanometer to measure resistance is a Wheatstone bridge. The Wheatstone bridge is a circuit arrangement that compares an unknown resistance with known resistances to determine its value. It operates based on the principle of balancing two legs of a bridge circuit, where one leg contains the unknown resistor. When the resistance in the unknown leg is adjusted, a galvanometer is used to detect the null point at which no current flows through it, indicating that the resistances are balanced.

While an ohmmeter also measures resistance and utilizes a galvanometer, it does so in a different manner where a current is passed through the resistor being measured and the galvanometer indicates the amount of current, which is then converted into a resistance value. However, the specific relationship to resistance measurement via circuit balance is a hallmark of the Wheatstone bridge.

Other devices mentioned serve different functions: a voltmeter measures voltage across two points in a circuit, and an ammeter measures current flow through a circuit. Therefore, the Wheatstone bridge stands out as the measuring device that directly employs a galvanometer for resistance measurements in its operation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy