How Do You Calculate the Radius of a Wire Using Electrical Resistance Formulas?

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To calculate the radius of a wire using electrical resistance formulas, it's essential to start with the correct values and units. The resistance formula R = ρL/A can be used, where ρ is resistivity, L is length, and A is the cross-sectional area. The area A can be derived from the radius using the formula A = πr². A user reported struggling with multiple-choice answers indicating radii of 10^-3 m, 10^-4 m, or 10^-5 m, suggesting potential errors in unit conversion or calculations. Accurate calculations and proper unit management are crucial for obtaining the correct radius of the wire.
elenour
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Homework Statement
A wire of resistivity 3.14x10^-7 ohm m. and of length 200m. If this wire allows a flow of 2x10^19 electrons each second when its connected to a power supply of 64V, find the radius of the wire.
Relevant Equations
pi=3.14
e=1.6x10^-19 c
i really have tried all the formulas out there and can't seem to get a solid answer
 
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Show us what you tried and tell us why you think it's wrong.
 
Last edited:
vela said:
Show us what you tried and tell us why you think it's wrong.
I know the answers i get are wrong because its a multiple choice question and the answers are 10^-3 m, 10^-4 m or 10^-5 m and i haven't been getting close to any 10's.
I just want to know how to solve the problem :H
 
elenour said:
I know the answers i get are wrong because its a multiple choice question and the answers are 10^-3 m, 10^-4 m or 10^-5 m and i haven't been getting close to any 10's.
I just want to know how to solve the problem :H
Per forum rules, you must post at least one of your attempts.
 
I think you are making some mistakes in the unit conversions, if we assume your approach to be correct.
1 electron contains 1.6*10^-19 C charge. So first multiply number of electron into charge, which gives us 3.2 A current. Use the formula V = IR, and calculate R. R comes out to be 20 ohms. Now calculate using the formula for resistance R= ρL/A, Find the area and then the radius of the wire according.
 
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