A Level Coursework - Resistivity

[coolnufc]

Hi guys, I am currently in my AS year and a piece of coursework on resistivity of metals, how you derive the equation.
But for the coursework i have to write an abstract on it, linking my experiment to a case study, does anyone have any good websites or information to help me out.

This is from the exam board about the abstract:

S1 Uses library, consulting a minimum of three different sources of information (eg books/websites/journals/magazines/case study provided by Edexcel/manufacturers’ data sheets) 1
S2 Provides full details of sources of information 1
S3 Provides a brief description of the case study 1
S4 Makes correct statement on relevant physics principles 1
S5 Uses relevant specialist terminology correctly 1
S6 Provides one piece of relevant information (eg data, graph, diagram) that is not mentioned in the briefing papers case study 1
S7 Briefly discusses context (eg social/environmental/historical) 1
S8 Comments on implication of physics (eg benefits/risks) 1
S9 Explains how the practical relates to the visit or case study 1

Any help would be appreciated. Stuff along the lines of why companies want to know the resisivity, why its important. That kind of thing.

 

[coolnufc]

I am going to be doing this experiment, and changing the length. So would i be measuring the voltage and current, then working out the resistance. And from that work out the resistivity of the wire?
Would this be ok?

 

[Kurdt]

Not sure exactly what you're looking for, but your AS textbook will be a good place to start. Hyperphysics is a decent concise website as well.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/resis.html#c2

 

[Kurdt]

I am going to be doing this experiment, and changing the length. So would i be measuring the voltage and current, then working out the resistance. And from that work out the resistivity of the wire?
Would this be ok?

Yes that would be fine. You also need to find the average diameter of the wire to get is cross sectional area. You can use a micrometer at various places down the length of the wire.