wheatstone bridge is in parallel or series
The Wheatstone Bridge circuit is nothing more than two simple series-parallel arrangements of resistances connected between a voltage supply terminal and ground producing zero voltage difference between the two parallel branches when balanced. A Wheatstone bridge circuit has two input terminals and two output terminals consisting of four resistors configured in a diamond-like arrangement as shown. This is typical of how the Wheatstone bridge is drawn.
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wheatstone bridge is in parallel or series
Wheatstone Bridge: Series or Parallel Connection
The Wheatstone bridge is a type of electrical circuit used to measure an unknown electrical resistance by balancing two legs of a bridge circuit. The bridge consists of four resistors connected in a diamond shape with a voltage source applied across the top and bottom points of the diamond.
Series Connection:
- In a series connection, the resistors are connected in a line, so the current flows through each resistor sequentially.
- In a Wheatstone bridge, the resistors are not connected in series but in a diamond shape.
- Therefore, the Wheatstone bridge is not considered a series connection.
Parallel Connection:
- In a parallel connection, the resistors are connected side by side, so the current splits and flows through each resistor simultaneously.
- In a Wheatstone bridge, the resistors are connected in a way that forms two parallel branches with a galvanometer (or other measuring device) connected between them.
- This configuration allows for the comparison of the unknown resistance with a known resistance to determine the value of the unknown resistance.
- Therefore, the Wheatstone bridge is considered a parallel connection due to the parallel arrangement of the resistors in the circuit.
In conclusion, the Wheatstone bridge is a parallel connection circuit due to the arrangement of the resistors in the diamond shape that forms two parallel branches. This configuration allows for the precise measurement of unknown resistances by balancing the bridge circuit.