Resistance of a Wire

Resistance of a Wire

Plan

In this investigation, we will be studying the resistance of a wire.

The resistance of a wire depends on many factors, some of these

include;

* Length of the wire

* Thickness (diameter) of the wire

* The material of the wire

* The temperature at which the wire is kept

Resistance can be explained as opposing the flow of electric current

around the circuit so energy is required to push the charged particles

around the circuits. This will then cause electrons to take an

obstructive path and collide with protons which will resist against

them, therefore, resistance is present. From previous research I can

say that the longer the wire, the higher the amount of resistance. We

can back this up as there will be more atoms in more metal so there

will be a higher chance of them colliding to cause resistance.

The equipment needed in order to conduct this experiment is as

follows; we will need a length of constantan (28 SWG) wire spread over

a metre rule, a power supply, approximately 7 connecting wires, 2

crocodile clips and 2 multi-meters which can be used as voltmeter and

ammeter functions. The connecting wires will be connected to the power

supply and the 2 crocodile clips. The multi-meters will be put into

the circuit and current will flow straight through while being read.

The two crocodile clips will be the receptors as they will be attached

to the constantan wire and will be

Fair Test

In the investigation we have to take fair testing into account. In

order to keep a fair test we will keep other factors (other than our

variable) constant. This will mean that we will have to use the same

thickness of wire (28 SWG), same material of wire which will be

constantan and we will be keeping the voltage constant. We will also

be using the same connecting wires to ensure that some tests have not