Calculate Resistance Area: P x L/A

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resistance of a conductor using the formula R = PL/A, where participants explore how to determine the cross-sectional area of a rectangular conductor and its implications for resistance calculations. The context includes practical applications relevant to electrical apprentices and homework-related queries.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating the area for resistance using the formula R = PL/A, specifically for a conductor measuring 20mm by 9mm.
  • Another participant questions whether the cross-section is rectangular or elliptical and suggests using the formula R = ρ(l/S) instead.
  • A participant explains how to convert the dimensions from millimeters to meters and multiply them to find the area.
  • One participant presents a homework problem involving a 500-meter length of copper conductor with a specified cross-sectional area and resistivity, expressing confusion over the expected resistance value.
  • Another participant advises checking arithmetic calculations and confirms the area calculation is correct.
  • A participant provides a resistance value that aligns with American wire gauge tables, questioning the accuracy of the dimensions provided by the original poster.
  • One participant presents a new problem involving a different conductor and suggests using the resistivity found from the first conductor to calculate the resistance of the second conductor.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in arriving at the expected answer and seeks clarification on the area calculation, presenting multiple interpretations of the dimensions.
  • A participant confirms the correct area calculation for the 20mm by 9mm dimensions, providing the conversion to square meters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formula to use for resistance calculations and the method for finding the area, but there is disagreement regarding the specific calculations and expected results, leading to unresolved confusion about the correct resistance value.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the arithmetic involved in calculating resistance and area, and there are unresolved questions about the accuracy of the dimensions provided in the homework problem.

suppo
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Im a first year electrical apprentice and I can't work out the area for resistance. The formula is R = PL/A :eg 20mm by 9mm conductor the answer has to be in meters squared can you show me the formula please?
 
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Is that a rectangle,or an ellipse?I think you mean

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


Daniel.
 
Are you just asking how to find out how many meters-squared an area 20 mm by 9 mm is?

If so, just convert each length into meters (0.020 m x 0.009 m) and multiply them.

- Warren
 
A question I have for homework is find the resistance of a 500 meter length of copper conductor having a cross sectional area of 20mm by 9mm? I know the resistivity of copper is 1.72 x10-8 and L is given 500, the A I think is 1.8x10-4. So R=PL/A !.72x10-8 x 500 / 1.8x10-4. The answer I get is 4.7 but the answer I'm supposed to get is 0.133 . Can you tell mr where I've gone wrong?
 
Again,check your arithmetics.The surface is okay.

Daniel.
 
I get 0.0477 ohms (this number is also within 10% of a number generated from the american wire gauge tables, so I believe it is correct).

Are you sure you have written down the dimensions correctly ?
 
The actual question is. A copper conductor is 200 meters long and has a rectangular cross section of 12mm by 8mm. It's resistance is 0.01 ohm. Find the resistance of 500 meters of a copper conductor having a cross section of 20mm by 9mm?
 
That's something else.

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

Use this for the first conductor to find [itex]\rho[/itex] and then use this resistivity to find the resistance of the 2-nd conductor.


Daniel.
 
I did try that Daniel but I still can't arrive at the answer the course notes gives . I think my calculations for area isn't right. Is 20mm by 9mm 20+9=29 x 10-3squared =2.9x10-5 or is it 20x9=180x10-3squared 1.8x10-4. Or is there another way?
 
  • #10
[tex]20 \mbox{mm}\cdot 9 \mbox{mm}=180 (\mbox{mm})^{2}=1.8\cdot 10^{-4}\mbox{m}^{2}[/tex]


That's the area.


Daniel.
 
  • #11
Thanks mate!
 

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