Question

State the advantages of potentiometer over voltmeter.

Answer 1

Advantages of potentiometer over voltmeter:

1. The voltmeter is used to measure the terminal Potential Difference (P.D.) of the cell, while the potentiometer is used to measure the small terminal P.D. as well as the e.m.f. of the cell.
2. The accuracy of the potentiometer can be easily increased by increasing the length of the wire.
3. A small P.D. can be measured accurately with the help of a potentiometer. The resistance of the voltmeter is high but not infinite to work as an ideal voltmeter.
4. The internal resistance of a cell can be measured with the help of a potentiometer.
5. The potential difference across the wire is greater than E₁ or E₂ or E₁ + E₂.