Does Wire Length Affect Resistance?

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    Length Resistance Wire
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between wire length and resistance, specifically addressing the implications of changing wire length on volume and resistance. Participants explore theoretical aspects and assumptions related to the physical properties of wire.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that if the length of the wire is doubled while keeping volume constant, the wire must become thinner, which raises questions about how resistance changes.
  • Others argue that if the density of the wire remains unchanged, then the volume must also remain constant, as mass is constant.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster (op) may have meant "doubled" in terms of joining two lengths of wire together, which would lead to a doubling of resistance.
  • Some participants express that the clarity of the original question is lacking, leading to different interpretations of what "doubling" the length means.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the interpretation of the original question regarding wire length and its implications for resistance and volume. Multiple competing views remain regarding the assumptions made about the wire's properties.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of "doubling" the length of the wire and assumptions about the constancy of density and mass, which affect the discussion on resistance.

terryds
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Do not accept any sentence you read on the Net.

That first post you refer to assumes that the volume of the wire is kept constant. So you stretch out a piece of wire and see how its resistance changes.
 
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Volume of wire is the area of the cross section of the wire times its length - excluding any wire that has varying thickness, for now. Volume remains the same if the wire is somehow going to get "thinner" when it's being stretched.
 
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well if we assume that the density of the wire doesn't change then volume= mass/density... as mass of the wire is constant the volume has to be constant
 
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The op at that link wasn't clear what he meant by the length of wire being doubled so the person that answered assumed he meant stretched. In which case the volume would be constant.

I believe the op actually meant doubled as in two lengths joined together. In which case the resistance would double.
 
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CWatters said:
The op at that link wasn't clear what he meant by the length of wire being doubled so the person that answered assumed he meant stretched. In which case the volume would be constant.

I believe the op actually meant doubled as in two lengths joined together. In which case the resistance would double.

totally agree with that summary ... unclear question leading to a incorrect answer
 

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