Resistance Of a Wire

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Investigating the effect length has on the resistance of a wire Aim The aim of this experiment is to find out what effect length has on the resistance of a wire. The current, voltage and resistance of a conductor are related by the following equation: V = I x R (Voltage = Current x Resistance) Ohm’s Law states that the current through a wire is proportional to the PD across it, provided that the temperature of the wire remains constant. I will use Ohm’s law in my experiment to see the effect length has on the resistance of a wire. Variables Controlled: Temperature, cross sectional area, and material of the wire. Independent: Length of the Wire Dependent: Resistance, using the voltage and current results I will collect Description of a fair test I will repeat the experiment 10 times at each length using a rheostat for average results. These average results will ensure that, should any experimental error take place, it won’t be very significant as the nine other good results should cancel it out. I will use a switch in my circuit to control the temperature of the wire, as Ohm’s Law states that the temperature must remain constant. I will also use two 1V batteries, and will not change those batteries at any time during the experiment. Prediction I predict that the resistance of the wire will increase as the wire length also increases. Scientific theories that explain my prediction The first theory I’m basing my prediction on is Collision Theory, where free electrons collide with oppositely charged atoms. Therefore, the longer the wire, more collisions should occur, meaning resistance will increase; because more collisions mean the slower they will move. Ohm’s Law is the second theory I’m basing my prediction on. Ohm’s law is used to calculate resistance in the following equation. R = V/I (Resistance = Voltage / Current) Ohm’s Law

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