Two alternative laboratory methods are available for measuring an unknown resistance…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Electricity · Electricity

Problem

Two alternative laboratory methods are available for measuring an unknown resistance XX using a d.c. supply of 6 V6\,\text{V}: (i) Draw neat circuit diagrams for Method A and Method B, clearly showing the positions of the meters. (ii) For each method, derive an expression for the resistance value that would be calculated by the student (XAX_{\mathrm A} for Method A and XBX_{\mathrm B} for Method B) in terms of XX, RAR_{\mathrm A}, and RVR_{\mathrm V}. (iii) If the true resistance is X=50 ΩX=50\,\Omega, compute the percentage error in the value obtained by each method. State which method yields the more accurate result and justify your choice.

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