Reducing Resistance: True/False Answers

  • Thread starter Thread starter BMWPower06
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Resistance
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on reducing the resistance of a tungsten wire by evaluating various changes. The correct answers to the proposed changes are: using a piece of copper wire instead (True), increasing the temperature of the wire (False), using a thicker piece of tungsten wire (True), using a longer piece of tungsten wire (False), and decreasing the voltage (False). The key takeaway is that resistance decreases with lower resistivity materials and increased cross-sectional area, while it increases with temperature and length.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Familiarity with the resistivity formula (R=p(L/A))
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically resistivity of copper and tungsten
  • Basic concepts of voltage, current, and their relationship in circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the resistivity values of various materials, focusing on copper and tungsten
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on electrical resistance
  • Explore the implications of wire gauge and cross-sectional area on resistance
  • Study the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in more complex circuits
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and professionals involved in circuit design and material selection will benefit from this discussion.

BMWPower06
Messages
92
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


You have a tungsten wire with a certain length and cross-sectional area. This wire has a resistance R. If you wanted to make a new wire with a SMALLER resistance, which of the following changes would accomplish that objective?
True False use a piece of copper wire instead, with the same length and cross-sectional area
True False increase the temperature of the wire
True False use a thicker piece of tungsten wire, with the same length
True False use a longer piece of tungsten wire, with the same cross-sectional area
True False decrease the voltage between the ends of the wire


Homework Equations


V=IR
R=p(L/A)


The Attempt at a Solution


My answers are in bold, atleast one of them is wrong, but i do not know which one, can anyone help out?

Reason for answers:
1. Copper wire has a lower p so the R will be lower
2. Increasing Temp, increases the R
3. Increases A, which decreases R
4. Increases L which increases R
5. R=V/I so a lower V would mean a smaller R

I can't figure out which answer is wrong, any help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone know what I am doing wrong?
 
Think really hard about 5) again. Decreasing V decreases I, not R.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
12
Views
1K