Question

Sensitivity of a given potentiometer can be decreased by

• A. increasing the current through the wire
• B. decreasing the current through the wire
• C. decreasing the potential gradient along the wire
• D. increasing the potential gradient along the wire

Hint:

Lower potential gradient means higher sensitivity in a potentiometer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Define sensitivity of potentiometer.
Sensitivity of a potentiometer is defined as its ability to detect small changes in potential difference.

Step 2: Relation with potential gradient.
Sensitivity is inversely proportional to the potential gradient along the wire.
\[ \text{Sensitivity} \propto \frac{1}{\text{Potential gradient}} \]

Step 3: Analyze given options.
Increasing the potential gradient reduces the sensitivity of the potentiometer.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Sensitivity can be decreased by increasing the potential gradient along the wire.