Date:

Topic: Potential Divider

Aim: To determine the potential difference across a resistor as the resistance of the
circuit is varied.

Related Theory:

• Paragraph containing definitions and linkages → electrical energy; cell;

electrical potential; electromotive force; potential difference; electric charge and
current, and units; electric resistance and unit.

• Paragraph containing: Sketch of inverse p.d. versus resistance; equation

1 𝑛 𝑅1 1
relating the inverse p.d. and resistance in the form y = m x + c [𝑣 = + ];
𝐸 𝑅2 𝐸
identifying each symbol in the equation.

List of Apparatus:

Power supply
Wheatstone Bridge
Unknown resistor
Variable resistor
Galvanometer
Wires
Switch
Jockey
Meter rule

Diagram of setup:
Method:

1. Set up apparatus as shown in the diagram.

2. Set the resistance R 1 to 100 .

3. Record the potential difference of the unknown resistor, R 2.

4. Repeat the process (2)  and (3) for R 1 from 200  to 600, recording, each
time, the potential difference of the unknown resistor, R 2.

𝟏
5. Plot a graph of vs n R 1 .
𝒗

6. Use the graph to determine the slope (gradient) of the graph.

1 𝑛 𝑅1 1
7. Using the equation = + , determine the practical value of R 2.
𝑣 𝐸 𝑅2 𝐸

Table of Results:

Inverse potential
Potential difference difference across from
# of resistors in R1 Total resistor in
across from R2, R2 ,
section section R1 /
V /V 𝟏
/V‒1
𝑽
1
2
3
4
5
6

Sample calculation(s):
Graph:

Observation(s):

- State 3 observations

Discussion:

- Explanation of trend
- Precautions

- Limitations

- Sources of Error

Conclusion:
 MARK SCHEME

SKILL: MM
LAYOUT POSSIBLE MARKS

MANIPULATION
• Correct circuit set up. 1

• Tight and secure connection. 1 3

• Voltmeter placement across R 2. Voltmeter with correct polarity. 1

MEASUREMENTS

• Record of resistance, R 1 1

• Measurements of potential difference across R 2 1

6
• Repetition of process of R 1 2

• Repetition of process of potential difference across R 2 2

PRECAUTIONS

• Appropriate units of computation 1

• Avoids zero error / Avoids error due to parallax 1 3

• Follows instructions 1

TOTAL (12)
SKILL: ORR
LAYOUT POSSIBLE MARKS

• Organisation
- Report has appropriate sequence, correct spelling and grammar 1
used (no more than one error allowed)

• Observations
1
- At least 1 observation stated

• Diagram of setup
- Large diagram with clarity and appropriate labels
1
or
- Adequate size with clarity and well labelled

• Table
1
- Uses of appropriate table headings 2
- Recorded of units appropriately 1
• Graph
- Title of graph
1
- Suitable SCALE for each axis, CORRECT quantities plotted on 3
CORRECT axes 1
- Accurate PLOTTING of ALL recorded readings 1
• Discussion
1
- Explanation or trend
1 3
- Precautions or Limitations

- Sources of Error 1
• Conclusion
- stated in line with aim 1

TOTAL (12)