Finding the smallest resistance on a I-V graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how to determine the smallest resistance from an I-V graph using the relationship V=IR. Participants are exploring the implications of different interpretations of gradients on the graph and how they relate to resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of finding resistance by considering the gradient of lines connecting the origin to points on the graph, rather than the tangent at those points. Questions are raised about why the line must go through the origin and the definitions of resistance compared to acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and relationships involved in the problem. Some participants have provided insights into the nature of resistance and its calculation, while others are still questioning the reasoning behind using the origin as a reference point.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the homework guidelines, which emphasize the need to understand the fundamental definitions rather than simply applying methods. There is a noted confusion regarding the use of tangents in this context compared to other types of graphs.

Janiceleong26
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Homework Statement


image.jpg


Ok, so I did this..
V=IR
I=(1/R)V, gradient is (1/R) -> y=mx+c
So in order to have the smallest resistance, we choose the point on the graph that has the largest gradient, which I chose B, because the tangent on the graph on point B is the largest, but the correct answer is C. Why?


Homework Equations


V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


The mark scheme states that we have to draw a line through the origin up to the point on the graph, and the line that has the largest gradient is the right answer, which is point C. But why through the origin? I thought tangent? As we are looking for the gradient?
 
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Janiceleong26 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 88314

Ok, so I did this..
V=IR
I=(1/R)V, gradient is (1/R) -> y=mx+c
So in order to have the smallest resistance, we choose the point on the graph that has the largest gradient, which I chose B, because the tangent on the graph on point B is the largest, but the correct answer is C. Why?

Homework Equations


V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


The mark scheme states that we have to draw a line through the origin up to the point on the graph, and the line that has the largest gradient is the right answer, which is point C. But why through the origin? I thought tangent? As we are looking for the gradient?

I think you should consider the gradient of lines joining the origin and points A, B, C and D, not the gradient of the curve at these points.
 
C. Lee said:
I think you should consider the gradient of lines joining the origin and each point A, B, C, and D, not the gradient of the curve at these points.
Why line through the origin?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
Why line through the origin?
Sorry that I missed the point.

Think about the relation V=IR again. Does it have any additional constant term in it?
 
C. Lee said:
Sorry that I missed the point.

Think about the relation V=IR again. Does it have any additional constant term in it?

Right.. I see it now. Thanks! But why can't we use tangent on the graph? Like how we use it for v-t graph to find acceleration?
 
Janiceleong26 said:
Right.. I see it now. Thanks! But why can't we use tangent on the graph? Like how we use it for v-t graph to find acceleration?

I think that is because the definition of R and acceleration are somewhat different in two cases.
Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity. But think about R. Is the definition of R the rate of change in V with respect to I?
It is the ratio of V to I, not the rate of change.
Hope this could be the answer for your question. Sorry for my deficient English!
 
V = I*R
so
R= V/I

Note that it's V/I not ΔV/ΔI or dV/dI.

They ask for "the resistance" not something like "the small signal resistance at a bias point"
 
C. Lee said:
I think that is because the definition of R and acceleration are somewhat different in two cases.
Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity. But think about R. Is the definition of R the rate of change in V with respect to I?
It is the ratio of V to I, not the rate of change.
Hope this could be the answer for your question. Sorry for my deficient English!
I see I see. Thanks a lot! No it's alright, my English isn't good either
 
CWatters said:
V = I*R
so
R= V/I

Note that it's V/I not ΔV/ΔI or dV/dI.

They ask for "the resistance" not something like "the small signal resistance at a bias point"
Ooh, ok ok. Thank you !
 

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