SUMMARY
The resistance of a copper wire is determined by the formula R = ρL/A, where ρ represents resistivity, L is the length, and A is the cross-sectional area. In the discussion, a second copper wire with double the length (2L) and half the area (1/2 A) is analyzed. The new resistance R' is calculated as R' = ρ(2L)/(A/2), simplifying to R' = 4ρL/A, which indicates that the resistance quadruples. The resistivity of copper is noted as 1.72 x 10-8 Ω·m.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of electrical resistance and Ohm's Law
- Familiarity with the concept of resistivity
- Basic knowledge of algebra for manipulating equations
- Knowledge of the physical properties of copper
NEXT STEPS
- Research the properties of resistivity for different materials
- Learn about the impact of temperature on the resistivity of conductors
- Explore practical applications of resistance in electrical circuits
- Study the relationship between wire gauge and resistance
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics or electrical engineering, educators teaching concepts of resistance, and professionals working with electrical wiring and circuit design.