Class 12 Potentiometer Questions for NEET | JEE

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Summary
This page provides solved potentiometer questions for NEET, JEE, and board exams, covering potential gradient, internal resistance, resistance comparison, balancing length, error analysis, and practical applications of potentiometers.

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Potentiometer Questions for NEET, IIT JEE and Board Exams
Ex. In the primary circuit of a potentiometer a battery of $2 \mathrm{V}$ and a rheostat of $22 \Omega$ are connected. If the length of potentiometer wire is $10 \mathrm{m}$ and its resistance is $18 \Omega$ then find the potential gradient in wire. Sol. The potential gradient $x=\left(\frac{E}{r+R+R_{h}+R_{e}}\right) \frac{R}{L} \quad r=R_{e}=0 \Omega$ So $x=\left(\frac{2}{0+18+22+0}\right) \frac{18}{10}=0.09 V / m$
Ex. No current flows if the terminals of a cell are joined with 125 cm length of potentiometer wire. If a 20 resistance is connected in parallel to cell balancing length is reduced by 25 cm. Find internal resistance of cell. Sol. $r=\frac{\ell_{1}-\ell_{2}}{\ell_{2}} \times R =\frac{125-100}{100} \times 20=5 \Omega$
Ex. Figure shows use of potentiometer for comparision of two resistances. The balance point with standard resistance R = 10 is at 58.3 cm, while that with unknown resistance X is 68.5 cm. Find X.

Sol. Let $E_{1}$ and $E_{2}$be potential drops across R and X so $\frac{E_{2}}{E_{1}}=\frac{1 \times}{1 R}=\frac{x}{R}$ or $X=\frac{E_{2}}{E_{1}} R$ But $\frac{E_{2}}{E_{1}}=\frac{l_{2}}{l_{1}}$ so $X=\frac{\ell_{2}}{\ell_{1}} R=\frac{68.5}{58.3} \times 10=11.75 \Omega$

Browse More Topics Related to Potentiometer:
- Potentiometer Working Principle
- Difference Between Potentiometer and Voltmeter
- Uses of Potentiometer
- Advantages of Potentiometer
- Potentiometer Important Questions
Ex. The length of potentiometer wire is 40cm. Zero deflection in galvanometer is obtained at point F. Find the balancing length AF. Sol. Let x be potential gradient and $V_{1}$ and $V_{2}$ be potential difference across 8$\Omega$ and 12$\Omega$ respectively. $\frac{V_{1}}{V_{2}}=\frac{8}{12}=\frac{x \ell}{x(40-\ell)}$ or $\frac{l}{40-l}=\frac{2}{3}$ or $\ell=16 cm$
Ex. If the current in the primary circuit of a potentiometer wire is 0.2 A, specific resistance of material of wire is $40 \times 10^{-8} \Omega m$ and area of cross-section is $0.8 \times 10^{-6} m ^{2}$ Calculate potential gradient? Sol. Potential gradient $x=\frac{V}{L}=\frac{I R}{L}=\frac{I \rho}{A}=\frac{0.2 \times 40 \times 10^{-8}}{0.8 \times 10^{-6}}=0.1$ volt $/ m$
Ex. A battery of emf 2V is connected in series with a resistance box and a 10m long potentiometer with resistance $1 \Omega / m$. A 10 mV potential difference is balanced across the entire length of wire. Calculate the current flowing in wire and resistance in resistance box. Sol. Potential gradient $x=\frac{E}{r+R+R_{e}}\left(\frac{R}{L}\right)=\frac{2}{0+10+R_{e}} \times 1=\frac{2}{10+R_{e}}$ Potential difference $V=x l$ or $10 \times 10^{-3}=\frac{2}{10+ R _{ e }} \times 10$ or $R_{e}=1990 \Omega$ Current flowing $I=\frac{E}{R+R_{e}}=\frac{2}{10+1990}=1 m A$
Ex. While measuring the potential difference between the terminals of a resistance wire the balance point is obtained at 78.4 cm. The same potential difference is measured as 1.2 V with voltmeter. If standard cell of emf 1.018 V is balanced at 63.2 cm then find error in reading of voltmeter. Sol. $E_{0}=x l_{0}$ and $V=x \ell$ or $V=\frac{E_{0}}{\ell_{0}} \ell$ $V=\frac{1.018 \times 78.4}{63.2}=1.26 volt$ $V=\frac{1.018 \times 78.4}{63.2}=1.26 volt$ so error = 1.2 – 1.26 = –0.06 V
Watch out the Video: Applications of Potentiometer & its Construction by Saransh Sir.
Complete Physics Revision Series by Saransh Sir (AIR 41 in IIT-JEE)
Also Read:
- Types and Effects of Electric Current
- Ohm’s Law and Resistance
- Combination of Resistances
- EMF and Internal Resistances of a Cell
- Cells Connected in Series, parallel and Mixed
- Kirchhoff’s Circuit Law
- Electric Currents in Conductors
- Wheatstone Bridge
- Post office Box
- Wheatstone Meter Bridge
- Moving Coil galvanometer
- Ammeter and Voltmeter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the potential gradient formula in a potentiometer?
The potential gradient x = E/(R + Rh + r + Rₑ) × (R/L), where R is wire resistance, L is wire length, Rh is rheostat resistance, r is battery internal resistance, and Rₑ is end resistance. When wire material data is given, use x = Iρ/A, where ρ is resistivity and A is cross-sectional area. Units are V/m or mV/cm.
How does a potentiometer measure internal resistance?
Connect the cell first without a shunt to get balance length ℓ₁, then connect a known resistance R in parallel (shunt) to get ℓ₂. Internal resistance r = [(ℓ₁ − ℓ₂)/ℓ₂] × R. The shunt draws current from the cell, reducing terminal voltage and hence the balance length, and that difference reveals r.
Why is a potentiometer more accurate than a voltmeter?
A potentiometer draws zero current from the cell at balance, so it measures true EMF without any voltage drop across internal resistance. A voltmeter always draws a small current, causing a terminal voltage reading slightly lower than EMF. This is why potentiometers are preferred in precision EMF measurement experiments.
How many potentiometer questions appear in JEE Main per year?
JEE Main typically carries 1 question from the potentiometer topic each year, as per NTA's question distribution across the Current Electricity chapter. It can appear as a numerical value type (4 marks) or a single correct MCQ. NEET usually has 1 MCQ, often testing the concept of EMF comparison or sensitivity.
What is the condition for a sensitive potentiometer?
A potentiometer is most sensitive when the potential gradient x is smallest — achieved by increasing the wire length or reducing the driving EMF via the rheostat. A lower x means the balance point shifts more per unit change in the measured EMF, allowing more precise determination of small potential differences.

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eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
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