In a metre-bridge when a resistance in the left gap is $2 \Omega$ and unknown resistance in the right gap, the balance length is found to be $40 \mathrm{~cm}$. On shunting the unknown resistance with $2 \Omega$, the balance length changes by :
Solution
<p>To solve this problem, let's first understand that a meter bridge setup is based on the principle of a Wheatstone bridge, in which two unknown resistances are in such a configuration that if the bridge is balanced, the ratio of the resistances on one side is equal to the ratio of resistances on the other side. In a balanced condition, no current flows through the galvanometer that is connected diagonally across the bridge.</p>
<p>We can express the condition of the balance as follows:</p>
<p>$\frac{R_1}{R_2} = \frac{L_1}{L_2}$</p>
<p>where $R_1$ is the known resistance $2 Ω$, $R_2$ is the unknown resistance, $L_1$ is the balance length $40 cm$ and $L_2$ is the length of the remaining wire on the meter bridge (100 cm - 40 cm = 60 cm).</p>
<p>Let's calculate the initial unknown resistance ($R_2$) using the balance condition:</p>
<p>$\frac{2}{R_2} = \frac{40}{60}$
<br/><br/>$\Rightarrow R_2 = \frac{2 \times 60}{40} = 3 \Omega$</p>
<p>Now, when the unknown resistance $R_2$ is shunted with a 2 Ω resistor, the new combined resistance ($R'_2$) can be calculated using the parallel resistance formula:</p>
<p>$\frac{1}{R'_2} = \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{2}$
<br/><br/>$$ \Rightarrow \frac{1}{R'_2} = \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2 + 3}{6} = \frac{5}{6}
$$</p>
<p>Therefore, the new combined resistance ($R'_2$) is:</p>
<p>$R'_2 = \frac{6}{5} \Omega$</p>
<p>If $L'_1$ is the new balance length and $L'_2$ is the remaining length, we now have:</p>
<p>$\frac{2}{\frac{6}{5}} = \frac{L'_1}{100 - L'_1}$
<br/><br/>$\Rightarrow \frac{L'_1}{100 - L'_1} = \frac{5}{3}$</p>
<p>Now, solve for (L'_1):</p>
<p>$3L'_1 = 5(100 - L'_1)$
<br/><br/>$\Rightarrow 3L'_1 = 500 - 5L'_1$
<br/><br/>$\Rightarrow 8L'_1 = 500$
<br/><br/>$\Rightarrow L'_1 = 62.5 \mathrm{~cm}$</p>
<p>The balance length has changed from 40 cm to 62.5 cm, so the change by $L'_1 - L_1$ is:</p>
<p>$62.5 - 40 = 22.5 \mathrm{~cm}$</p>
<p>Therefore, the balance length changes by 22.5 cm, which corresponds to Option B.</p>
About this question
Subject: Physics · Chapter: Current Electricity · Topic: Ohm's Law and Resistance
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