Resistivity of a stretched wire VS unstretched state

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SUMMARY

The resistance of a wire increases when it is stretched, and in this case, a wire with an initial resistance of 6.0Ω is stretched to three times its original length. The correct calculation for the new resistance, considering the volume remains constant, results in a final resistance of 54Ω, not 18Ω as initially assumed. This discrepancy arises from the assumption that while the length increases, the cross-sectional area decreases, thereby affecting the overall resistance. The resistivity and density of the material remain unchanged during this process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law and resistance calculations
  • Familiarity with the formula R = ρL/A
  • Knowledge of material properties such as resistivity
  • Concept of volume conservation during plastic deformation
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  • Study the effects of stretching on electrical resistance in conductive materials
  • Learn about the relationship between resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area
  • Explore the principles of plastic deformation in metals
  • Investigate practical applications of resistance changes in engineering
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and materials scientists interested in the behavior of conductive materials under mechanical stress.

SpecialMen
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1. A wire of a 6.0[tex]\Omega[/tex] resistance is stretched to three times its original length. Assume the diameter and resistivity have stayed the same, what is its new resistance?



2. R=[tex]\stackrel{\rho L}{A}[/tex]



3. Since the only thing that's changed in the equation is L, having tripled, I was obviously thinking the resistance would now be 18[tex]\Omega[/tex], but the books answer is 54[tex]\Omega[/tex]. What am I doing wrong?
 
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Hi SpecialMen, welcome to PF. When metals are plastically deformed, it's usually assumed that the volume remains constant, not the cross-sectional area. Know what I mean?
 
Mapes said:
Hi SpecialMen, welcome to PF. When metals are plastically deformed, it's usually assumed that the volume remains constant, not the cross-sectional area. Know what I mean?

Thanks, I appreciate the welcoming!
And yes, I know exactly what you mean. This is what I told myself when I first read the question, thinking it was strange to neglect the change in diameter of the cable...I reread the question a couple times, and then realized that what the book really said was we were assuming the same resistivity and density, not diameter as I had originally read. Brain freeze, I've been doing these problems for the past 6 hours, literally! Still, thanks for yor input! Would have gotten me out of my hole had I not reread the question!
 

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