Meassuring Resistance under water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring the resistance of a wire while it is heated under water, specifically focusing on the methodology of using a four-point probe technique to obtain voltage drop measurements. The context includes experimental design considerations and the implications of the surrounding medium (distilled water) on the accuracy of resistance measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using insulated leads attached to a metal wire submerged in distilled water to measure resistance through a four-point probe setup.
  • There is a suggestion that the resistance of the water is significantly greater than that of the wire, which may allow for accurate measurements.
  • Another participant points out a typographical error in the original post regarding the comparison of resistance, clarifying that the resistance of the water should not be compared to itself.
  • A later reply suggests correcting the typo to refer to a resistor instead of water, indicating a need for clarity in the experimental description.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the feasibility of the proposed measurement method, although there is a minor disagreement regarding the clarity of the initial description due to a typographical error. The discussion does not resolve whether the proposed method will yield accurate results.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations related to the experimental setup, such as the effects of water conductivity or the influence of temperature on resistance measurements.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers or students interested in experimental physics, particularly those exploring electrical resistance measurements in non-standard environments.

HappMatt
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Hey,

So as part of a experiment I am curious to be able to measure the resistance of a wire as I joule heat it under water to be able to get a steady state temp vs current. My thought is to attach electrodes to a metal wire to put a current across it and measure a voltage drop(4 point probe). I would likely use insulated leads attached to the wire that i want to measure. Additionally I would put the wire in distilled water when I make the measurements. So my thought is that since the resistance of the water is so much greater than that of the water I should be able to get a relatively accurate measurements. Does this make sense or am I missing something.

Thanks
Matt
 
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HappMatt said:
Hey,

So as part of a experiment I am curious to be able to measure the resistance of a wire as I joule heat it under water to be able to get a steady state temp vs current. My thought is to attach electrodes to a metal wire to put a current across it and measure a voltage drop(4 point probe). I would likely use insulated leads attached to the wire that i want to measure. Additionally I would put the wire in distilled water when I make the measurements. So my thought is that since the resistance of the water is so much greater than that of the water I should be able to get a relatively accurate measurements. Does this make sense or am I missing something.

Thanks
Matt

Makes perfect sense, except for the simple typo in your next to last sentence. You should be fine.
 
berkeman said:
Makes perfect sense, except for the simple typo in your next to last sentence. You should be fine.

sense instead of since? not the first time and I actually meant to type it that way.
Thanks
Matt
 
HappMatt said:
... So my thought is that since the resistance of the water is so much greater than that of the water I should be able to get a relatively accurate measurements...

Your typo was saying that you plan to compare the resistance of the water to the water (itself).
 
Yeah, change the 2nd water --> resistor.
 

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