Int1 Task 2

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INT1 – Task Two Author Note Section A Problem Statement: This experiment is designed to determine the relative resistance of copper wire as temperature changes in order to gauge the effect, if any, that global warming will have on the cost of the delivery of electricity Relevance: Global warming is expected to have a major effect on the ecosystems of the world. Could global warming also affect the efficiency of the delivery of electrical energy and, if so, what is the magnitude of even a small increase in global temperatures? A1. Literature review: In the article on Temperature and Conductivity (Khounsary, 2005): The researcher comments on if temperature would affect the amount of current traveling through a wire. Dr Khounsary explains an experiment using a fixed voltage and varying the temperature of the wire using a torch. The article further explains that the temperature coefficient of copper at 20 degrees C is .00393 and that a single degree of temperature change would increase the resistance of the wire by that amount. In the article regarding the Effect of Temperature on Conductivity (The Nuffield Foundation, 2006) the article describes how the conductivity of a wire decreases as it is heated. It provides an example schematic diagram for the test circuit and the use of Eureka wire instead of copper wire. A2a. Experimental Design: By using commonly available materials and accurate measuring tools the experiment will allow others to obtain similar results. Connect the multimeter to the two ends of the coil of wire and vary the temperature of the coil of wire. Materials: Precision multimeter to measure resistance Digital timer to measure time periods Multimeter test clips 1000 foot coil of wire (28 gauge) High-precision digital thermometer 1 liter plastic vessel Tap water: Room temperature Ice/Water mix

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