I What is the benefit of measuring both direct and reverse current?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the benefits of measuring voltage in both directions to account for the resistance of connecting wires and to identify potential issues like stray currents. Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of this method and highlight the importance of verifying measurements through different setups. A suggestion is made to correct for lead resistance by measuring zero resistance directly on the conductor or using a 4-wire connection for more accurate results. Concerns are raised about the lack of context regarding the specific setup and connections being discussed. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for clarity and thorough investigation in electrical measurements.
phymath7
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Why do we have to measure low resistance (in method of fall of potential )and galvanometer resistance (method of half-deflection ) for both direct and reverse current?
What is it's benefit?
 
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Who says we do ? Do you have a reference, some context. a link ?
 
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BvU said:
Who says we do ? Do you have a reference, some context. a link ?
I don't have reference from any higher level practical book but from a local writter of my country.So I am not providing reference as I think that won't be considered worthy.But my teacher said that it's done to nullify the effect of resistance of the connecting wires.I am not sure how that works.
 
phymath7 said:
I don't have reference from any higher level practical book but from a local writter of my country.So I am not providing reference as I think that won't be considered worthy.But my teacher said that it's done to nullify the effect of resistance of the connecting wires.I am not sure how that works.
That doesn't make sense to me either. It would be a good way of identifying voltages that don't depend on the current direction, like a voltage offset from a battery, or voltages that depend too much on polarity, like a diode in the circuit. It's also just a good sanity check of the instrument and the circuit being tested. The answer should usually be the same, if it's not, more investigation is needed.

In general, good lab practice is to try and verify your measurements with a slightly (or vary) different setups that shouldn't matter, because sometimes your assumptions, instruments, or measurements are wrong.

BTW, if you do want to correct for the lead resistance, you can just measure "0" resistance by putting the probes on the same conductor and subtract that from your measurement. An even better way is to do a 4-wire or kelvin connection, which requires a bit more than just simple ohm-meter.
 
phymath7 said:
But my teacher said that it's done to nullify the effect of resistance of the connecting wires.I am not sure how that works.
You haven't given us adequate context to understand what's being said. What connecting wires? What do they connect? Can you show us a diagram?
 
What @DaveE said. The 'both directions' process will also indicate the presence of 'stray current' - that isn't uncommon when measuring grounds in a facility with existing energized equipment - it can significantly skew your result if you don't know that it's there. Once identified, it can usually be dealt with arithmetically (or by turning off some equipment).
 

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