Resistance in a Wire (coursework Evaluation)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jozers
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Resistance Wire
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on alternative experimental methods for evaluating how the length of a wire affects its resistance, specifically for GCSE coursework. The user has utilized Ohm's Law and the formula R=ρL/A to calculate resistance but seeks additional experimental approaches. Suggestions include using a slide wire rheostat as a variable resistor and exploring the Wheatstone bridge for more precise measurements. These methods will enhance the investigation while adhering to the constraints of not altering wire temperature or cross-sectional area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law and its application in electrical circuits.
  • Familiarity with the formula R=ρL/A for calculating resistance.
  • Knowledge of variable resistors and their functionality.
  • Basic principles of the Wheatstone bridge for measuring resistance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation and applications of slide wire rheostats in resistance experiments.
  • Study the principles and setup of the Wheatstone bridge for accurate resistance measurement.
  • Explore alternative methods for measuring resistance that focus on wire length.
  • Investigate the impact of different materials on resistance while maintaining a constant length.
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting GCSE physics coursework, educators seeking effective teaching methods for resistance concepts, and anyone interested in experimental physics related to electrical resistance in wires.

Jozers
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
To get the full marks for my gcse coursework "how does length affect the resistance in a wire?" I need to provide an alternative experiment that I could perform if I were to redo the investigation. I have already calculated resistance in circuit using ohm's law and predicted results using the R=ρL/A. Does anyone have any suggestion to what I could do? I haven't had any luck researching this, although my teacher hinted that I could do something with variable resistor to control the resistance but I have no idea how. Please remember this must relate to the length not wire temperature or cross-sectional area.

Thanks
Jozers
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Jozers said:
To get the full marks for my gcse coursework "how does length affect the resistance in a wire?" I need to provide an alternative experiment that I could perform if I were to redo the investigation. I have already calculated resistance in circuit using ohm's law and predicted results using the R=ρL/A. Does anyone have any suggestion to what I could do? I haven't had any luck researching this, although my teacher hinted that I could do something with variable resistor to control the resistance but I have no idea how. Please remember this must relate to the length not wire temperature or cross-sectional area.

Thanks
Jozers
Have you ever used one of those big slide wire rheostats as a variable resistor?

http://www.thesciencefair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1856-2&Category_Code=ET

Knowing how it works might give you some ideas. You might also want to find out about the Wheatstone bridge if you have not already encountered it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
11K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K