How to find the radius of copper wire given resistivity values

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the radius of a copper wire using resistivity values. The resistivity provided was incorrectly stated as 0.25 ohm meter, leading to an erroneous calculation of a radius of 2.5 kilometers. The correct resistivity of copper is approximately 0.00000001678 ohm meter. Participants emphasize that without the resistance value, it is impossible to determine the radius accurately, and they request clarification on the original question.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and resistivity
  • Familiarity with the formula for resistance: R = ρL/A
  • Knowledge of geometric formulas, specifically for the area of a circle
  • Basic algebra for rearranging equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the correct resistivity values for common materials, focusing on copper
  • Learn how to calculate resistance using the formula R = ρL/A
  • Study the geometric properties of circles to understand area and radius relationships
  • Explore practical applications of resistivity in electrical engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in physics or electrical engineering, educators teaching circuit theory, and anyone involved in materials science or electrical design.

subopolois
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Homework Statement


i need to find the radius of a copper wire given the following data:
resistivity is 0.25 ohm meter
length of wire is 200 m


Homework Equations


roe=RS/I
roe=resistivity
R= resistance of material
S=cross sectional area
I= length of specimen


The Attempt at a Solution


i was looking at the equation and noticed i don't have any value for the resistance of the copper, so i looked it up online and it said: 0.00000001678 ohm.m. since i have 200m of wire i multiplied it by 200. so into the equation with everything:
0.25=3.356x10^-6 x s/200 meters
rearranging for the cross section area:
s= 21222410.9
although it doesn't say in the question, i assume that the cross section area of copper wire is circular. so i use the area of a circle to find the radius:
A= pi r^2
r= 2599 m

i don't know about you but this doesn't seem right, to have a wire with radius of 2.5 kilometers. I am stuck at what to do, my only guess is that the resistance value is wrong and i know there is and equation for resistance:
resistance= resistivity x length/area
i have the resisivity and the length, but what would i use for area?
help!
 
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Yeah, 2.5 km for a radius doesn't make much sense. Neither does the question. The resistivity of copper is not 0.25 ohm*m. It's not even close. And if they give you the bulk resistivity and the length, that's just data, it's not a question. You can't determine radius from that. Can you post the question verbatim?
 

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