Does the length of a wire affect its resistance?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether the length of a wire affects its resistance, exploring both theoretical and practical implications of wire length on electrical resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that longer wires may have increased resistance due to the potential for foreign objects interfering with the current flow.
  • Several participants assert that resistance is directly proportional to the length of the wire, referencing the relationship in the context of electrical resistance.
  • One participant introduces the concept of thermal resistance, suggesting that similar principles apply, where increased insulation thickness leads to higher thermal resistance.
  • Another participant provides the equation for resistance (R = ρL/A), indicating the variables involved: resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area.
  • One participant notes that no conductor is perfect, and as the length of the conductor increases, the resistance also increases due to the additional material the current must pass through.
  • External factors that may influence resistance or impedance are mentioned, including ambient temperature and power quality issues, though one participant cautions against confusing resistance with impedance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While some participants agree on the direct proportionality of resistance to length, there are differing views regarding the implications of external factors and the distinction between resistance and impedance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader impacts of these factors on resistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the influence of external factors on resistance, and there is a lack of consensus on the relevance of impedance to the topic at hand.

Zoey
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Hello,

I would think that it would, because if the wire is longer there is more of a chance of their being foreign objects interfering, which could cause resistance, right? Or no?
 
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Yes, the resistance is directly proportional to the length.
 
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Dale said:
Yes, the resistance is directly proportional to the length.
Thanks! :smile:
 
Just for info... The same applies to thermal resistance. The thicker the insulation the longer the path heat has to travel and hence the higher the thermal resistance.
 
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CWatters said:
Just for info... The same applies to thermal resistance. The thicker the insulation the longer the path heat has to travel and hence the higher the thermal resistance.
Thank you, that is definitely handy to keep in mind :smile:
 
Just for completeness, the equation for the resistance of a wire is R = ρL/A where

ρ = the resistivity
L = the length
A = the cross sectional area
 
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pixel said:
Just for completeness, the equation for the resistance of a wire is R = ρL/A where

ρ = the resistivity
L = the length
A = the cross sectional area

Thanks! A formula is definitely something handy to have on hand :biggrin:
 
No conductor is perfect (yet). The more material that current must pass through, the more resistance.

External factors that increase resistance or impedance are ambient temperature, power quality issues (harmonics, reflected sine waves, phase imbalance), and other electrical conductors and devices. All of these can cause excessive heat.

Generally conductors are run according to a plan, so a longer run is no more likely to encounter external problems than a shorter run if they are both run according to the same plan.
 
Chris1983 said:
External factors that increase resistance or impedance

don't confuse resistance and impedance ... they are very different beasts
Impedance has nothing to do with the question/topic of this thread :smile:Dave
 

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