Temperature coefficient of resistance calculation

[Preksha]

When we are supposed to calculate the value of "temperature coefficient of resistance " i.e. α , how are we supposed to choose between the following two formulae :

α = (R2 - R1) / (R1*T2 - R2* T1 )

or

α = (R2 - R1)/ [ R1 *( T2-T1) ]

I have attached scanned pictures of two similar questions . I can't understand as to why diff. formulae are being used in both of them

 

[Preksha]

I am new to this forum, so I have no idea as to how things work here. I wanted to know, till when , can I expect a reply to my question?

 

[azizlwl]

Its not a linear function.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9383/co3wv.jpg

 

[Ratch]

Preksha,

When we are supposed to calculate the value of "temperature coefficient of resistance " i.e. α , how are we supposed to choose between the following two formulae :

My physics book agrees with this link, which is a different formula than what you submitted.

Ratch

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/restmp.html

 

[Preksha]

Preksha,



My physics book agrees with this link, which is a different formula than what you submitted.

Ratch

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/restmp.html

My second formula is the same as yours.

The first one can be derived as
R1 = R0(1 + aT1) ...(i)
R2 = Ro (1 +aT2)... (ii)

Divide (i) by (ii)
And you'll get the 1st formula.
Both formulae are correct.
The difference in their usage is that When T1 is 0deg. The 1st formula changes to the second one. But when I came across this particular question where T1 =20 deg (the one I've posted before) and still they are using the second formula, i got thoroughly confused. So, if you have any idea, please help.

 

[Preksha]

Its not a linear function.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9383/co3wv.jpg

I didnt get you :O How does linearity play a role in this question?

 

[Preksha]

Does anybody else know how to go about it?

 

[Ratch]

Preksha,

When we are supposed to calculate the value of "temperature coefficient of resistance " i.e. α , how are we supposed to choose between the following two formulae :

α = (R2 - R1) / (R1*T2 - R2* T1 )

or

α = (R2 - R1)/ [ R1 *( T2-T1) ]

Use the one that is correct. The second formula agrees with the link I posted, so use that. The first formula can be arranged to R=Ro(1+αT)/(1+α*To). Does that make sense compared to the first formula, which is R=Ro(1+α(T-To))?

My second formula is the same as yours.

Yes, that is the correct one.

The first one can be derived as
R1 = R0(1 + aT1) ...(i)
R2 = Ro (1 +aT2)... (ii)

Divide (i) by (ii)
And you'll get the 1st formula.

Your derivation is wrong. R1 = Ro(1+α(T1-To))

Both formulae are correct.

They both can't be correct.

The difference in their usage is that When T1 is 0deg. The 1st formula changes to the second one. But when I came across this particular question where T1 =20 deg (the one I've posted before) and still they are using the second formula, i got thoroughly confused. So, if you have any idea, please help.

In order for the formula to be correct, it must be correct across the whole temp range, not just one temperature. Use the one proven to be correct.

Ratch

 

[SammyS]

I am new to this forum, so I have no idea as to how things work here. I wanted to know, till when , can I expect a reply to my question?

Hello Preksha. Welcome to PF !

Be patient. While you're waiting, read the rules for this Forum, particularly the section regarding Homework Help.

Rules