To discover how length and cross sectional area of a wire affects the resistance of a wire.

Aim:

Prediction:

In my opinion, I predict that the resistance of a wire will increase with length. I feel this because the electrons have further to travel therefore it has a higher chance of being terminated/stopped by the atoms. I predict the resistance will decrease when the cross-sectional area is increased. I think this because the electrons will have more space to flow past the atoms.

Diagram:

Fair Test:

To perform a fair test I will manipulate/test one variable at a time e.g. length.

I will keep the following the same:

The power pack

The voltmeter
The other wires
The material the wire is made from
The temperature
I will keep the cross-sectional area the same when monitoring the length and vice versa

Method:

I will set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.
When a current is flowed through the wire I will record the readings on the ammeter and the voltmeter in to a table.