Resistance problem (Simple electrical problem)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the resistance of a copper wire at 80°C, given its resistance at 10°C and the temperature coefficient. The key equation used is R2 = R1(1 + α1 * ΔT), where R1 is the resistance at the initial temperature and ΔT is the change in temperature. Participants clarify that the temperature coefficient can be assumed constant within a reasonable range, allowing for the calculation of resistance at different temperatures. The user successfully determines the resistance at 0°C before applying the equation to find the resistance at 80°C. The problem is resolved after overcoming initial confusion about the logic of the calculations.
Rito3d03
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Homework Statement


This question comes from one of my previous exam
and I still couldn't solve it after days of trying
hope someone can guide me through this thanks

A copper wire has a resistance of 10Ω at 10°C.
Determine the resistance of the wire at 80°C.
Given that the temperature coefficient of the wire is 0.00393C-1 at 0°C.

Homework Equations


R2 = R1(1+\alpha1*ΔT)

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know where to start when I don't have the temperature coefficient of R1

I know this may look silly because it maybe very easy to all of you
but please help me on this
 
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We're not talking about two different components R2 and R1.

We're talking about the same component, which has two different resistances at two different temperatures.

R1 is the resistance at temperature T1

R2 is the resistance at temperature T2.

You can confirm this by noticing that if T2 = T1, then delta T = 0, and hence R2 = R1.

In this case, delta T = T2 - T1 = 80 C - 10 C = 70 C, and you already know R1, which is the resistance at T1 = 10 C. So all you have to do is use the equation to solve for R2.
 
cepheid said:
We're not talking about two different components R2 and R1.

We're talking about the same component, which has two different resistances at two different temperatures.

R1 is the resistance at temperature T1

R2 is the resistance at temperature T2.

You can confirm this by noticing that if T2 = T1, then delta T = 0, and hence R2 = R1.

In this case, delta T = T2 - T1 = 80 C - 10 C = 70 C, and you already know R1, which is the resistance at T1 = 10 C. So all you have to do is use the equation to solve for R2.

but how about the \alpha1
I can use the coefficient at 0 C to solve different temperature?
 
Rito3d03 said:
but how about the \alpha1
I can use the coefficient at 0 C to solve different temperature?

I think you can assume alpha is constant. It's not strictly true, but the linearity holds within a certain temperature range around the temperature at which the coefficient was measured. 80 degrees may seem like a fairly large range, but unless you've been given additional information about how the alpha coefficient itself varies, I don't see any other choice other than using the given value and assuming it to be constant with temperature.
 
I finally find out the way to solve this question
first find out R0 which is the resistance at 0°C
10 = R0 (1+0.00393*(10-0))
then I can use the equation to solve the rest of the problem
and figure out R80
R80= R0 (1+0.00393*(80-0))

I guess i was stuck on some logic problem
glad i can finally finish this and move on
thanks for the help
 

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