Resistivity

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MCAT Physical › Resistivity

Questions 1 - 3

An electrician wishes to cut a copper wire $(\rho = 1.724 * 10^{-8}\Omega m)$ that has no more than $10 \Omega$ of resistance. The wire has a radius of 0.725mm. Approximately what length of wire has a resistance equal to the maximum $10 \Omega$ ?

960m

38m

9.6m

10cm

2.6cm

Explanation

To relate resistance R, resistivity $\rho$ , area A, and length L we use the equation $R = \frac{\rho L}{A}$ .

Rearranging to isolate the quantity we wish to solve for, L, gives the equation $L = \frac{RA}{\rho }$ . We must first solve for A using the radius, 0.725mm.

$A = \pi r^{2} = \pi (0.000725m)^{2}=1.65 * 10^{-6}m^{2}$

Plugging in our numbers gives the answer, 960m.

$L = \frac{10\Omega * 1.65 * 10^{-6}m^{2}}{1.724*10^{-8}\Omega m} = 957m \approx960m$

Which of the following factors would decrease the resistance through an electrical cord?

Increasing the cross-sectional area of the cord

Decreasing the cross-sectional area of the cord

Increasing the length of the cord

Increasing the resistivity

Explanation

The equation for resistance is given by $R = \frac{\rho L}{A}$ .

From this equation, we can see the best way to decrease resistance is by increasing the cross-sectional area, , of the cord. Increasing the length, , of the cord or the resistivity, $\rho$ , will increase the resistance.

What is the current in a circuit with a $2\Omega$ resistor followed by a $3\Omega$ resistor that are both in parallel with a $5\Omega$ resistor? The voltage supplied to the circuit is 5V.