ON THE APPLICATION OF THE RECIPROCITY THEOREM IN RESISTIVITY PROSPECTING

Abstract

In a recent publication, Van Nostrand and Cook (1966) draw attention to the reciprocity theorem of electrical conduction, whereby if current is supplied between two points of an electrical conductor and the potential difference is measured between a second pair of points, this potential difference is the same as would arise between the first pair if the same current were supplied between the second pair. In particular, they cite limitations to the application of this theorem put forward by Wenner and claim that when adapting this theorem to actual field conditions “the assumptions for its validity often do not hold” (p. 39). This appears to be at variance with a later statement (p. 46) that it is safe to apply the reciprocity theorem.