Resistance Formula:
| From: | To: |
The resistance formula \( R = \rho \frac{L}{A} \) calculates the electrical resistance of a material based on its resistivity (ρ), length (L), and cross-sectional area (A). This fundamental equation in electrical engineering relates material properties to resistance.
The calculator uses the resistance formula:
Where:
Explanation: Resistance increases with length and resistivity, but decreases with cross-sectional area. This relationship is fundamental to understanding electrical conductivity in materials.
Details: Accurate resistance calculation is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate wire gauges, understanding material conductivity, and ensuring proper functioning of electrical systems.
Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What Is Resistivity?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic property of materials that quantifies how strongly they oppose electric current. Different materials have different resistivity values.
Q2: How Does Length Affect Resistance?
A: Resistance is directly proportional to length - doubling the length doubles the resistance, assuming other factors remain constant.
Q3: How Does Cross-sectional Area Affect Resistance?
A: Resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area - doubling the area halves the resistance, assuming other factors remain constant.
Q4: What Are Typical Resistivity Values?
A: Copper: ~1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: ~2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Silver: ~1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Iron: ~1.0×10⁻⁷ Ω·m.
Q5: When Is This Formula Most Accurate?
A: This formula is most accurate for uniform materials at constant temperature. Temperature changes can affect resistivity and thus resistance.