How Do You Calculate Resistance and Current in a Carbon Block Using Ohm's Law?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the resistance and current of a carbon block using Ohm's Law. The block is specified to have dimensions and a potential difference applied across it.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the physical description of the carbon block, with one seeking clarification on its shape and dimensions. There is an attempt to visualize the block as a cuboid based on the provided measurements.

Discussion Status

The discussion is currently focused on understanding the geometry of the carbon block. One participant has provided a clarification that seems to have aided another, indicating a productive exchange of ideas regarding the interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a request for a visual representation to aid understanding, suggesting that the description may not be entirely clear to all participants. No specific assumptions or constraints have been noted beyond the problem statement.

LeakyFrog
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Homework Statement


A block of carbon is 3cm long and has a square cross section whose sides are .5cm long. A potential difference of 8.4V maintained across its length.
a)What is the resistance of the block?
b)What is the current in this resistor?


Homework Equations


R=pL/A
where p is resistivity


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm fairly certain i can solve this problem right quick if I could understand what exactly the block looked like. The description just doesn't make sense to me. I'm not sure if you can draw pictures on this or not but a picture would be helpful if someone can make one. Thanks.
 
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From what I've read the block is a cuboid. Imagine a square that's 0.5cm by 0.5cm, now stretch that back in the third dimension by 3cm, and Bob's your uncle. A similar shape to a packet of gum.

Juicy+fruit.gif
 
thanks dude (or dudette)! helped a bunch!
 
No worries mate.
 

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