Find resistance with length in a circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the resistance of an unknown resistor by varying its length in a circuit. Participants are exploring how to graph the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance while keeping voltage constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the challenge of creating a graph with constant voltage and changing current, questioning how to represent resistance accurately. There are mentions of relevant equations and formulas, as well as confusion about the relationship between resistance and the varying length of the resistor.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered formulas related to resistance and resistivity, while others express uncertainty about the original question's intent, questioning whether resistance or resistivity is being sought. The discussion includes a mix of interpretations and attempts to clarify the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the experimental setup, particularly about how varying the length of a resistor fits into the measurement of resistance. Participants are also considering the implications of keeping voltage constant while measuring current.

logic111
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1. I need to find the resistance of unknown resistor by varying its lenght. I have a voltmeter, and ammeter (the voltage is to supposed to stay constant, with the current changing). From this I am supposed to create a graph, but the only graphs I know are V by I to get R, but is V is constant the slope of the line won't work. Anyone have any ideas how I can make the graph?


2. The only equations I've been taught are V=IR and P=IV.



3. I'm really stuck, any help would be great
 
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HINT:What values are changing there?
 
the values changing are length (manipulated) and current (responding). But if I plot those, the slope is A/M, which isn't the same as resistance.
 
Is this formula helpful:[tex]R=\frac<b>{\rho l}{S}</b>[/tex]
 
Forum went down,so here is the correct formula:

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

where

[tex]l[/tex] is the length

[tex]A[/tex] is the cross sectional area

[tex]\rho[/tex] is the resistivity of the material.
 
Last edited:
If I understood correctly,[tex]V[/tex] is not given there?
 
And are you sure you understood everything completely?
 
logic111 said:
1. I need to find the resistance of unknown resistor by varying its lenght. I have a voltmeter, and ammeter (the voltage is to supposed to stay constant, with the current changing). From this I am supposed to create a graph, but the only graphs I know are V by I to get R, but is V is constant the slope of the line won't work. Anyone have any ideas how I can make the graph?


2. The only equations I've been taught are V=IR and P=IV.



3. I'm really stuck, any help would be great


Something sounds not right with this question. How can one vary the length of a common resistor?
Are they asking for resistance or resistivity? If they want the resistance, just measure voltage and current, there is no need to vary the length or take more than one measurement.
 

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