Measuring the resistance of a resistor

In summary, the conversation discusses two different methods for measuring the resistance of a 5 ohm resistor in a simple circuit and determining which method is more precise. The first method involves varying the voltage and measuring the current, then calculating the resistance. The second method involves directly measuring the resistance using a multimeter. The question asks which method is capable of greater precision, but the individual is unsure of what is being asked and requests help.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Its a general question asking which method of measuring resistance (a 5 ohm resistor in a simple circuit) has greatest precision. The first method I varied voltage from about 5V to 10V, then measured the current each time, then averaged that current and calculated resistance. The other method was remove resistor from circuit then direct measurement of the resistance using multi meter.
The question asks "Which method of measuring the resistance of small resistances is capable of greater precision?"
I am not really understanding what is being asked ..thanks for any help

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
To understand what is being asked, you first need to do some research and figure out how the multimeter that you used measures the resistance that you connect to it. Then you need to compare its method with yours. I can already see a problem with your method. Think how resistance is defined by Ohm's law.

For future reference: Please show your work and calculations. Merely talking about them is not sufficient.
 

1. How do you measure the resistance of a resistor?

To measure the resistance of a resistor, you will need a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms) mode and touch the probes to the two leads of the resistor. The multimeter will display the resistance value in ohms.

2. What is the unit of measurement for resistance?

The unit of measurement for resistance is ohms (Ω).

3. How does the length and width of a resistor affect its resistance?

The length and width of a resistor affect its resistance by changing the amount of material the electric current has to flow through. A longer and narrower resistor will have a higher resistance compared to a shorter and wider resistor.

4. What is the color code for resistors and how is it used to determine resistance?

The color code for resistors is a series of colored bands that represent different numbers. The first two bands indicate the first two digits of the resistance value, the third band represents the number of zeros to add, and the fourth band represents the tolerance. By decoding the color bands, you can determine the resistance value of a resistor.

5. How does temperature affect the resistance of a resistor?

Temperature can affect the resistance of a resistor. As the temperature increases, the resistance of a conductor also increases. This is due to the increase in the collisions between the electrons and the atoms in the material, making it harder for the electrons to flow through. Conversely, as the temperature decreases, the resistance decreases as well.

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