Number of Wires & Cross-Sectional Area

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the number of wires and the cross-sectional area in electrical circuits. It is established that increasing the number of wires in a circuit effectively increases the cross-sectional area, thereby reducing resistance. This is due to the parallel configuration of the wires, which allows for a decrease in overall resistance as described by Ohm's Law (V=IR). The participant confirms that more wires lead to a parallel circuit, resulting in less current flowing through each individual wire.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits and resistance
  • Familiarity with parallel circuit configurations
  • Concept of cross-sectional area in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of wire gauge on resistance in electrical circuits
  • Learn about the principles of parallel circuits and their applications
  • Explore experiments demonstrating resistance changes with varying wire configurations
  • Study the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in practical scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, electrical engineering enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of resistance and circuit design.

BranTkC
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi there, I'm a student in high school.
I'm quite new to the forum. Please forgive my mistakes.

Homework Statement
My question is related to electricity, more specifically the factors affecting resistance in a wire. I know that resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the wire.

Does the number of wires represent the cross-sectional area of the wire?

Relevant equations
The circuit diagram is in the attachment.
I came across an experiment which describes that by changing the number of wires (ie. changing the number of eureka wires), we actually change its cross-sectional area.

The attempt at a solution
However, doesn't adding the number of wires make it become a parallel circuit?

Help to clarify please?
 

Attachments

  • Resistance.jpg
    Resistance.jpg
    6.3 KB · Views: 537
Physics news on Phys.org
By adding more wires between points x and y, you are increasing the cross section of wire between these points. Between x and y, these wires are in parallel (so there is less current flowing through each wire. Using V=IR where V = const you can see that R reduces).
 
Alright. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

What factors determine wattage of electrons flowing through a wire?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
How does the rise in temperature of fuse wire depend upon its radius?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
What does cross section area mean when dealing with stress/strain?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Wire Extension Under Sudden Loads?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Wires in an circuit, different materials, heat
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
What happens if shielded cable has a short to the shield?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
998
Powering an LED via Induced Current
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Finding the power loss in a wire of varying cross-sectional area
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Ratio of Inductance between 2 Solenoids?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Calculating Current in a Wire: Applying PD and Cross-Sectional Area
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K