How to Calculate Wheatstone
What is Wheatstone?
The Wheatstone bridge is a circuit used to measure unknown electrical resistance by balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. R_unknown = R3 × (R2/R1).
Formula
At balance: R1/R2 = R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx
- At
- R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx — R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx
- R1
- R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx — R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx
- R2
- R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx — R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx
- R3
- R3 value — Variable used in the calculation
- Rx
- Rx value — Variable used in the calculation
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Four resistors arranged in a diamond (bridge) configuration
- 2A galvanometer in the centre detects current imbalance
- 3At balance: R1/R2 = R3/Rx — solve for unknown Rx
Worked Examples
Input
R1=100Ω, R2=200Ω, R3=150Ω
Result
Rx = 300Ω
Bridge balanced when R1/R2 = R3/Rx
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Assuming the bridge must be exact — modern circuits use operational amplifiers for nulling
- ✕Ignoring lead resistance in precision measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wheatstone bridge used for?
Precision measurement of resistance, strain gauges, temperature sensors (RTDs), and load cells.
What happens when the bridge is balanced?
No current flows through the galvanometer. The voltage across it is zero.
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