What is the name of the device used to measure ohms?

AI Thread Summary
The device used to measure resistance in electrical circuits is called an ohmmeter. While a multimeter can measure voltage and current, an ohmmeter specifically focuses on resistance. It operates using Ohm's Law, which involves calculating resistance through the formula R = V/I. The discussion also highlights that the resistance of a wire is influenced by its length, cross-sectional area, and material properties, with mass affecting resistance indirectly. Additionally, the efficiency of electron movement in metals compared to nonmetals is attributed to the internal structure of the materials, which is explained by concepts in Quantum Mechanics and Transport Phenomena. Lastly, it is clarified that an ohmmeter requires power to function and measure resistance accurately.
Geoffrey F. Miller
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What is the name of the device used to measure ohms? :confused:
 
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With a multimeter,you can measure both tension & current,ergo determine resistence...

Daniel.


EDIT:I suspect a tool only for resistence would be called OHMMETER...
 
I need to be sure that it's called an ohmmeter though. I don't want to introduce to many calculations into my experiment, as it's only supposed to focus on how a wire's length, shape, mass, thickness, and material affect its resistance.
 
It's not too many calculations,just a division V/I.In case you lack the ohmmeter.

R=\rho\frac{l}{S}

Is this what you're looking for...?

Daniel.
 
Oh,and one more thing:I'm pretty sure that the ohmmeter used Ohm's law (!) to determine the resistance and doing that by performing the division,insted of you...:wink:

Daniel.
 
Ahhh...I found an ohmmeter, and yes, it does use Ohm's Law.

Thank you for your help!

Also, do you know how a wire's mass would affect its resistance? I'd assume more massive wires would be less resistant... :confused:
 
No,not directly.The ratio is (length/area) (times resistivity,see above).So mass is involved indirectly.

Daniel.
 
Okay. Also, why do electrons move faster and more effeciently through metals than nonmetals? What are the characteristics of a good conductor? Does it have something to do with the way the atoms or molecules of a substance are arranged?
 
Of course.Internal structure is the key...Quantum Mechanics and Transport Phenomena give all the answers/explanations.


Daniel.
 
  • #10
One more thing before I go, does the ohmmeter require electricity to be running through a wire to take its measurements, or does it test the material directly?
 
  • #11
Yes, an ohmmeter must be powered.
 

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