How Does the Length of a Wire Affect the Resistance?

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HOW DOES THE LENGTH OF A WIRE AFFECT THE RESISTANCE?

Aim: To investigate how the length of the wire affects the resistance of a wire.

List of Equipment: Ammeter – Voltmeter – Power Pack – Variable Resistor –

                                        6 Wires – Block of Wood (mayn’t be supplied) – Test Wire                             - 2 Crocodile Clips – Metre Ruler.

Variables: Everything should stay the same but:

  • The length of the wire.
  • The position of the variable resistor.
  • Voltage across wire.
  • Current in circuit.
  • Temperature of wire.
  • The resistance of the wire (will be calculated).

Diagram: 

Prediction: The longer the wire the higher the resistance. This is because the longer                 the wire, the more atoms there will be, so electricity will take longer to                 travel through.

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                Further more, doubling the length of the wire will result in double the                 resistance. This is because by doubling the length of the wire you are                 also doubling the number of atoms.

Method:  

  • I will set-up my apparatus as shown in the diagram.
  • Put the wire on the meter ruler and measure the length.
  • The first crocodile clip is clipped to the wire at the 0cm position on the meter ruler.
  • The second crocodile clip is clipped to the relevant position depending on the required length of wire.
  • The power supply is turned on. The voltage ...

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