Final answer:
To balance a Wheatstone bridge with Rx being 100Ω, R1 at 50Ω, and R2 at 175Ω, the value of R3 must be approximately 28.57Ω.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is tasked with finding the value of a resistor R3 to balance a Wheatstone bridge circuit. Given that Rx (the unknown resistance) is 100Ω, R1 is 50Ω, and R2 is 175Ω, we need to use the principles of a Wheatstone bridge to solve for R3.
In a balanced Wheatstone bridge, the ratio of the resistors in one arm (R1/R2) is the same as in the other arm (R3/Rx). Therefore, we can set up the following equation:
R1/R2 = R3/Rx
Plugging in the given values:
50/175 = R3/100
Solving for R3:
R3 = (50/175) * 100
R3 = 28.57Ω
Therefore, the value of R3 needed to balance the bridge is approximately 28.57Ω.