Question

Why potentiometer is better than a voltmeter give any five correct differences???

Answer 1

The potentiometer and voltmeter both measures the emf in volts. The potentiometer is used in a circuit where the accurate value of voltage is required. For approximate calculation, the voltmeter is used.

Key Differences Between Potentiometer and Voltmeter

The following are the key differences between potentiometer and voltmeter.

1. The potentiometer is an instrument used for measuring the emf, whereas the voltmeter is a type of meter which measures the terminal voltage of the circuit.
2. The potentiometer accurately measures the potential difference because of zero internal resistance. Whereas, the voltmeter has a high internal resistance which causes the error in measurement. Thus the voltmeter approximately measures the voltage.
3. The sensitivity of the potentiometer is very high, i.e. it can measure small potential differences between the two points. The voltmeter has low sensitivity.
4. The potentiometer uses the null deflection type instrument whereas the voltmeter uses the deflection type instrument.
5. The potentiometer has infinite internal resistance, whereas the potentiometer has high measurable resistance.