Wheatstone bridge & strain gauges worksheet with answers

Free printable Wheatstone bridge & strain gauges worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
+−3 VR1​ = 500 ΩR2​ = 40 ΩR3​ = 60 ΩR4​ = 600 Ωab+−

In the bridge shown, Vs = 3 V, R₁ = 500 Ω and R₂ = 40 Ω. Find the voltage Va of node a with respect to the negative supply rail.

Vs = 3 VR1 = 500 ΩR2 = 40 ΩR3 = 60 ΩR4 = 600 Ω
Va = V
2.Easy
+−10 VR1​ = 120 ΩR2​ = 800 ΩR3​ = 500 ΩR4​ = 400 Ωab+−Vab​ = ?

Find the open-circuit output voltage Vab = Va − Vb of the bridge shown, with Vs = 10 V.

Vs = 10 VR1 = 120 ΩR2 = 800 ΩR3 = 500 ΩR4 = 400 Ω
Vab = V
3.Medium
+−9 V220 Ω220 Ω + ΔR220 Ω220 Ωab+−Vab​ = ?

A bridge has four 220 Ω arms and Vs = 9 V. The sensor R₂ increases by ΔR = 11 Ω. Find the exact output Vab in mV.

Vs = 9 VR = 220 ΩΔR = 11 Ω
Vab = mV
4.Medium
+−9 V120 Ω120 Ω + ΔR120 Ω120 Ωab+−173.1 mV

A bridge with four 120 Ω arms is supplied with 9 V. When the sensor R₂ changes, the output reads Vab = 173.1 mV. Find the exact change ΔR of R₂.

Vs = 9 VR = 120 ΩVab = 173.1 mV
ΔR = Ω
5.Hard
+−3 V120 Ω − ΔR120 Ω + ΔR120 Ω + ΔR120 Ω − ΔRab+−Vo​ = ?

A bridge with 120 Ω arms is excited with 3 V and has four active gauges, two in tension and two in compression (full bridge). The gauge factor is 2 and the strain is 750 µε. Find the bridge output Vo in mV.

Vs = 3 VGF = 2ε = 750 µε
Vo = mV
6.Hard
+−5 V1000 Ω1000 Ω + ΔR1000 Ω1000 Ωab+−Vo​ = ?

A bridge with 1000 Ω arms is excited with 5 V and has one active gauge (quarter bridge). The gauge factor is 2.05 and the strain is 1500 µε. Find the bridge output Vo in mV.

Vs = 5 VGF = 2.05ε = 1500 µε
Vo = mV

Answer key

  1. 1. Va = 0.2222 V
  2. 2. Vab = 4.251 V
  3. 3. Vab = 109.8 mV
  4. 4. ΔR = 9.6 Ω
  5. 5. Vo = 4.5 mV
  6. 6. Vo = 3.844 mV

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.