Extra Que for Interest: Voltage and Wire Resistance

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the relationship between voltage and wire resistance in a circuit. A 40m wire connected to a 24V battery raises questions about voltage changes along the wire's length. The participants conclude that as one measures voltage at a 10m segment, the voltage will decrease due to the wire's resistance, confirming that voltage drop occurs as current travels through a resistive medium. The relevant equations discussed include P=IV for power and R=pL/A for resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (P=IV)
  • Familiarity with the resistance formula (R=pL/A)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits
  • Concept of voltage drop in resistive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of voltage drop in electrical circuits
  • Learn about resistivity and its impact on wire resistance
  • Explore practical applications of Ohm's Law in circuit design
  • Investigate the effects of wire length and cross-sectional area on resistance
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, hobbyists working on circuit projects, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of voltage and resistance in electrical systems.

jen333
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Hi! I was looking at notes about voltage and resistance, and this question popped into my head.

Homework Statement


If a certain length of wire ie)40m with an unknown resistance has a voltage of say 24V (random number) when hooked up to a battery, how does the voltage change throughout the circuit, or does it? ie) when a voltmeter is hooked up to a 10m segment of the wire anywhere on the wire, would the voltage increase or decrease?


Homework Equations


P=IV
R=pL/A


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure, but if i were to guess I would think of the wire as any other resistor and assuming resistance is constant throughout predict the same voltage? I'm probably completely off, but it's worth a shot.

Thanks!
 
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By your second equation you have said you've traveled a 10m distance ... so what would the R be at that point?

Since it is something anyway, and if you are traveling from the positive terminal of the battery, then if there is a ΔR, there must be a ΔV.

Increase from the positive terminal? Does that really make sense? Of course the ΔV is going to be a drop.
 

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