What is the name of the device used to measure ohms?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Geoffrey F. Miller
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    Device Measure Ohms
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the device used to measure electrical resistance, specifically ohms. Participants explore the functionality of multimeters and ohmmeters, as well as the implications of resistance in relation to wire characteristics and the principles of conductivity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the name of the device used to measure ohms.
  • Another participant suggests that a multimeter can measure voltage and current, thus allowing for the calculation of resistance, and proposes that a device specifically for measuring resistance is called an ohmmeter.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the term "ohmmeter" and emphasizes the need to avoid excessive calculations in their experiment focused on wire properties affecting resistance.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between resistance and wire characteristics, including a formula involving resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area.
  • One participant asserts that an ohmmeter uses Ohm's Law to determine resistance through division.
  • A participant confirms finding an ohmmeter and acknowledges its reliance on Ohm's Law while questioning how wire mass affects resistance.
  • Another participant clarifies that mass affects resistance indirectly through length and area, not directly.
  • Questions arise regarding the speed and efficiency of electron movement in metals compared to nonmetals, with a focus on the internal structure of materials.
  • One participant states that quantum mechanics and transport phenomena provide explanations for conductivity.
  • A question is raised about whether an ohmmeter requires electricity to measure resistance, to which a participant confirms that it must be powered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the functionality of the ohmmeter and its use of Ohm's Law, but there is uncertainty regarding the direct effects of wire mass on resistance and the characteristics of good conductors. The discussion remains unresolved on some aspects, particularly regarding the relationship between mass and resistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of wire properties on resistance without reaching a consensus on the direct influence of mass. The conversation includes references to formulas and principles that may require further clarification or context.

Geoffrey F. Miller
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What is the name of the device used to measure ohms? :confused:
 
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With a multimeter,you can measure both tension & current,ergo determine resistance...

Daniel.


EDIT:I suspect a tool only for resistance would be called OHMMETER...
 
I need to be sure that it's called an ohmmeter though. I don't want to introduce to many calculations into my experiment, as it's only supposed to focus on how a wire's length, shape, mass, thickness, and material affect its resistance.
 
It's not too many calculations,just a division V/I.In case you lack the ohmmeter.

[tex]R=\rho\frac{l}{S}[/tex]

Is this what you're looking for...?

Daniel.
 
Oh,and one more thing:I'm pretty sure that the ohmmeter used Ohm's law (!) to determine the resistance and doing that by performing the division,insted of you...:wink:

Daniel.
 
Ahhh...I found an ohmmeter, and yes, it does use Ohm's Law.

Thank you for your help!

Also, do you know how a wire's mass would affect its resistance? I'd assume more massive wires would be less resistant... :confused:
 
No,not directly.The ratio is (length/area) (times resistivity,see above).So mass is involved indirectly.

Daniel.
 
Okay. Also, why do electrons move faster and more effeciently through metals than nonmetals? What are the characteristics of a good conductor? Does it have something to do with the way the atoms or molecules of a substance are arranged?
 
Of course.Internal structure is the key...Quantum Mechanics and Transport Phenomena give all the answers/explanations.


Daniel.
 
  • #10
One more thing before I go, does the ohmmeter require electricity to be running through a wire to take its measurements, or does it test the material directly?
 
  • #11
Yes, an ohmmeter must be powered.
 

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