Physics Coursework
Investigation:
Metal wires are used extensively to conduct electric current over long distances. I am going to investigate one of the many factors, which determine the resistance of such a wire.
To my knowledge, in general metals are good conductors of electric current. The particle structure of a metal is as follows:
. There are lots of atoms, which are arranged in a regular pattern.
2. The atoms are very close and there are strong forces of attraction between them.
3. The atoms are vibrating
4. The atoms have outer electrons, which are loosely held. (A p.d. can push these lose electrons to cause a flow of charge through the metal)
The size of the electric current/ the resistance will depend on these factors of the wire:
* The diameter
* The temperature
* The material
* Density
* The length
* The P.d.
Theoretical predictions about the above factors:
Diameter - As it increases the resistance might decrease, as there is more space for electrons to flow.
Temperature - The hotter the wire the more the atoms are vibrating and perhaps impending the flow of electrons.
Material - The Number of outer electrons on the atoms will determine how well current flows.
Density - The closer the atoms the easier it is for electrons to 'jump' from one atom to another, so the higher the density the higher the amount of current that will flow.
Investigation:
Metal wires are used extensively to conduct electric current over long distances. I am going to investigate one of the many factors, which determine the resistance of such a wire.
To my knowledge, in general metals are good conductors of electric current. The particle structure of a metal is as follows:
. There are lots of atoms, which are arranged in a regular pattern.
2. The atoms are very close and there are strong forces of attraction between them.
3. The atoms are vibrating
4. The atoms have outer electrons, which are loosely held. (A p.d. can push these lose electrons to cause a flow of charge through the metal)
The size of the electric current/ the resistance will depend on these factors of the wire:
* The diameter
* The temperature
* The material
* Density
* The length
* The P.d.
Theoretical predictions about the above factors:
Diameter - As it increases the resistance might decrease, as there is more space for electrons to flow.
Temperature - The hotter the wire the more the atoms are vibrating and perhaps impending the flow of electrons.
Material - The Number of outer electrons on the atoms will determine how well current flows.
Density - The closer the atoms the easier it is for electrons to 'jump' from one atom to another, so the higher the density the higher the amount of current that will flow.
