The resistance of an ohmic conductor

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SUMMARY

The resistance of an ohmic conductor increases with length due to more collisions experienced by electrons. Additionally, decreasing the cross-sectional area of the conductor results in increased resistance because it reduces the current (I), as defined by the formula R = V/I. The relationship can be understood through the equation I = nSev, where S represents the cross-sectional area, n is the density of free electrons, v is the average drift velocity, and e is the charge of an electron. This discussion clarifies that adding length to a resistive wire is analogous to adding resistors in series.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (R = V/I)
  • Familiarity with the concept of electron flow in conductors
  • Knowledge of resistive materials and their properties
  • Basic grasp of electrical circuits and series vs. parallel configurations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between resistivity and temperature in conductors
  • Explore the effects of material composition on resistance
  • Learn about the impact of geometric factors on electrical resistance
  • Investigate practical applications of resistive materials in circuit design
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electrical resistance in conductors.

Viona
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I know that the resistance of an ohmic conductor increases with length because the electrons going through the conductor must undergo more collisions in a longer conductor. But why decreasing the cross-sectional area of the conductor also increases the resistance of a conductor?
 
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Think of increasing the area as having many conductors in parallel. Decreasing is the opposite.
 
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I am not sure that your intuitive model, according to which you conclude more resistance means more collisions is entirely correct.
Formally resistance is defined as ##R=\frac{V}{I}##. Decreasing the cross sectional area decreases I and that's why R is increasing. (it is ##I=nSve## where ##S## the cross sectional area, ##n## the density of free electrons, ##v## the average drift velocity and ##e## the charge of electron.)
 
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If you like an intuitive model, adding length to a resistive wire is the same as adding resistors in series.
 
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Thank you, that was helpful and nice.
 
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