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.

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1.Easy
+−6 VR1​ = 200 ΩR2​ = 400 ΩR3​ = 10 ΩR4​ = 500 Ωab+−Vab​ = ?

Find the open-circuit output voltage Vab = Va − Vb of the bridge shown, with Vs = 6 V.

Vs = 6 VR1 = 200 ΩR2 = 400 ΩR3 = 10 ΩR4 = 500 Ω
Vab = V
2.Easy
+−15 VR1​ = 10 ΩR2​ = 100 ΩR3​ = ?R4​ = 500 ΩabG0

The Wheatstone bridge in the diagram is balanced by adjusting R₃. R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 100 Ω and R₄ = 500 Ω. Find the setting R3.

R1 = 10 ΩR2 = 100 ΩR4 = 500 Ω
R3 = Ω
3.Medium
+−12 VR1​ = 150 ΩR2​ = 600 ΩR3​ = 120 ΩR4​ = 40 ΩabGRg​ = 20 Ω

A galvanometer with a resistance of 20 Ω is connected between a and b of the bridge shown (Vs = 12 V). Find the galvanometer current Ig from a to b, in µA.

Vs = 12 VR1 = 150 ΩR2 = 600 ΩR3 = 120 ΩR4 = 40 ΩRg = 20 Ω
Ig = µA
4.Medium
+−15 VR1​ = 200 ΩR2​ = 500 ΩR3​ = 150 ΩR4​ = 40 Ωab+−Rth​ = ?

Find the Thévenin resistance Rth of the bridge shown, seen from the output terminals a and b.

Vs = 15 VR1 = 200 ΩR2 = 500 ΩR3 = 150 ΩR4 = 40 Ω
Rth = Ω
5.Hard
+−2.5 V1000 Ω − ΔR1000 Ω + ΔR1000 Ω + ΔR1000 Ω − ΔRab+−Vo​ = ?

A bridge with 1000 Ω arms is excited with 2.5 V and has four active gauges, two in tension and two in compression (full bridge). The gauge factor is 2.1 and the strain is 750 µε. Find the bridge output Vo in mV.

Vs = 2.5 VGF = 2.1ε = 750 µε
Vo = mV
6.Hard
+−3 V350 Ω − ΔR350 Ω + ΔR350 Ω + ΔR350 Ω − ΔRab+−Vo​ = ?

A bridge with 350 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 2.1 and the strain is 750 µε. Find the bridge output Vo in mV.

Vs = 3 VGF = 2.1ε = 750 µε
Vo = mV

Answer key

  1. 1. Vab = −1.882 V
  2. 2. R3 = 50 Ω
  3. 3. Ig = 38824 µA
  4. 4. Rth = 174.4 Ω
  5. 5. Vo = 3.938 mV
  6. 6. Vo = 4.725 mV

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