Find resistance with length in a circuit

AI Thread Summary
To find the resistance of an unknown resistor by varying its length, the experiment involves keeping voltage constant while measuring the changing current. The relevant formula for resistance is R = ρl/A, where l is the length, A is the cross-sectional area, and ρ is the resistivity of the material. The discussion highlights confusion about graphing methods since traditional V vs. I plots won't apply with constant voltage. Participants question the practicality of varying the length of a resistor and suggest that measuring voltage and current directly may suffice without additional complexity. Clarification is needed on whether the goal is to determine resistance or resistivity.
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 teh 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:R=\frac<b>{\rho l}{S}</b>
 
Forum went down,so here is the correct formula:

R=\frac{\rho l}{A}

where

l is the length

A is the cross sectional area

\rho is the resistivity of the material.
 
Last edited:
If I understood correctly,V 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 teh 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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