Question

What is the maximum potential difference that can be detected by a potentiometer?

• A. The potential drop across the potentiometer wire.
• B. Infinity
• C. The EMF of the battery in the driving circuit.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The potential drop across the potentiometer wire.

The EMF of the battery in the driving circuit creates the potential drop across all the elements in the circuit. But if there is a rheostat providing some resistance, the potential drop across the wire will be lesser than the EMF of the battery. Therefore the maximum potential difference that can be detected by a potentiometer depends upon the potential drop across the potentiometer wire.