Resistance Formula:
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Wire resistance is the opposition to electric current flow through a conductor. It depends on the material's resistivity, the wire's length, and its cross-sectional area according to the formula R = ρL/A.
The calculator uses the resistance formula:
Where:
Explanation: Resistance increases with length and resistivity, but decreases with increasing cross-sectional area.
Details: Calculating wire resistance is essential for electrical circuit design, power transmission systems, and ensuring proper current flow in electronic devices.
Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is resistivity?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic property of materials that quantifies how strongly they oppose electric current flow.
Q2: Why does resistance increase with length?
A: Longer wires provide more obstacles for electrons to overcome, increasing the total resistance.
Q3: Why does resistance decrease with area?
A: Larger cross-sectional areas provide more pathways for electrons to flow, reducing resistance.
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, Gold: 2.44×10⁻⁸ Ω·m.
Q5: Does temperature affect resistance?
A: Yes, for most conductors, resistance increases with temperature due to increased atomic vibrations.