What is Wheatstone bridge Chemistry class 12th
In Class 12 Chemistry, the Wheatstone Bridge is not a core chemistry concept—it is actually a concept from Physics (Class 12 Physics, Chapter: Current Electricity). However, it can be related to electrochemical measurements, such as in the determination of resistance in electrolytic conductance experiments.
🔌 Wheatstone Bridge – Definition (Physics Concept)
The Wheatstone Bridge is an arrangement of four resistors in a diamond shape that is used to measure an unknown electrical resistance accurately by balancing two legs of a bridge circuit.
🧪 Relation to Chemistry (Electrochemistry)
In Electrochemistry, the Wheatstone Bridge is used in conductivity cells to measure the resistance of an electrolyte solution, which is further used to calculate:
- Specific Conductance (κ)
- Molar Conductance (Λm)
- Equivalent Conductance (Λeq)
⚙️ How it works in Chemistry (Conductivity Cell)
- The solution is placed between two electrodes.
- An AC (alternating current) source is connected through a Wheatstone Bridge setup.
- The bridge is balanced using a variable resistance.
- When the bridge is balanced (no current through the galvanometer), the resistance of the electrolyte solution can be calculated.
- Using the cell constant, we find conductivity.
📝 Formula Used
In balanced condition:
\frac{R_1}{R_2} = \frac{R_3}{R_x}
Where:
- = Unknown resistance (like electrolyte resistance)
- The other are known resistors
📚 In NCERT Chemistry Class 12
The Wheatstone Bridge is indirectly mentioned in the context of:
- Measurement of conductance of ionic solutions
- Determination of conductivity using a conductivity cell
Look in Chapter 3: Electrochemistry, under:
"Measurement of the Conductivity of Ionic Solutions"
📌 Summary
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Subject | Physics (but used in Chemistry) |
Use in Chemistry | To measure resistance of electrolyte solution |
Concept Used | Balancing resistances in a bridge circuit |
Related NCERT Topic | Chapter 3: Electrochemistry |
Comments
Post a Comment