Factors Affecting
Resistance Of
A Conductor
AIM:
To study the various factors affecting resistance.
APPARATUS:
Battery or Eliminator
Resistance wires of different types
Length and area of cross-section
Rheostat
Ammeter
Voltmeter
Key
THEORY:
Resistance is the opposition that a material presents to the flow of electrical current.
According to Ohm's law, "Electric current through a metallic conductor is directly
proportional to potential difference across the conductor of the circuit provided that
temperature remains constant."
EQUATION:
I ∞V
Or
V = IR
Where, R = constant called resistance of a given metal.
Also,
Resistance in electrical conductors is influenced by several key factors. Considering a
conductor of length 'l' metres and area of cross-section 'a' m². The resistance 'R' of a
conductor (material) depends on factors such as physical dimensions, the nature of the
material, and the temperature, the resistance 'R' of a conductor:
(i) Is directly proportional to the length, i.e., R∞l
The conductor's resistance increases with length.
(ii) Is inversely proportional to the area of the cross-section, 𝑅∞ 1/a
The conductor's resistance decreases with increasing thickness.
From the above points, mathematically, it can be expressed as,
𝑙
𝑅∞ -
𝑎
𝑅��=ρ𝑎𝑙 �ohms
Where, ‘ρ’(Greek letter Rho) is a constant and is known as resistivity or specific
resistance of the material and it depends upon the nature of the material.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Where:
A – Ammeter
V – Voltmeter
R – Resistor
B - Battery
K – Key
Rh – Rheostat
Procedure:
Set Up the Circuit:
Connect the conductor in series with the ammeter and power supply.
Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the conductor.
Ensure all connections are secure and the power supply is turned off during
setup.
Connect the Components:
Assemble the circuit as shown in the diagram below:
Power Supply (DC) → Ammeter → Conductor → Power Supply
↓
voltmeter
The positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the positive terminal of
the ammeter. The negative terminal of the ammeter is connected to one end of the
conductor.
The other end of the conductor is connected back to the negative terminal of the
power supply.
The voltmeter is connected across the conductor, with its positive terminal
connected to the end of the conductor nearest to the power supply’s positive terminal.
Adjust the Power Supply:
Turn on the power supply and adjust it to a suitable voltage to ensure measurable
current flows through the conductor without overheating it.
If using a rheostat, adjust it to control the current to a desired level.
Take Readings:
Note the current reading from the ammeter (I, in amperes).
Note the voltage reading from the voltmeter (V, in volts).
Calculate the Resistance:
Use Ohm’s Law to calculate the resistance (R) of the conductor: R=
Ensure that both voltage and current readings are stable before taking
measurements for accuracy.
Repeat for Accuracy:
To improve accuracy, repeat the measurements several times with different current
levels (adjusting the voltage or rheostat).
Calculate the resistance for each set of readings and take the average value.
1. To study the variation of resistance with the nature of the material
To study the variation of resistance with the nature of the material, you need to
measure & compare the resistance of conductors made from different materials (e.g.
nichrome, copper, iron) while keeping other factors (e.g. length, cross- sectional area,
and temperature) constant.
Analyze the results to determine how the nature of the material affects the
resistance.
2. To study the variation of resistance with the length of the conductor
To study the variation of resistance with the length of the wire, you need to
measure the resistance of wires of different lengths while keeping other factors
(such as material, cross-sectional area, and temperature) constant.
The results were analyzed by plotting a graph between the length of the wire and
its resistance.
3. To study the variation of resistance with the area of cross-section of the conductor
To study the variation of resistance with the cross-sectional area of the wire, you
need to measure the resistance of wires with different cross-sectional areas while
keeping other factors (such as material, length, and temperature) constant.
Plot a graph of resistance (R) against the reciprocal of the cross-sectional area ( ).
According to the theory, resistance should be inversely proportional to the cross-
sectional area, so the plot should show a linear relationship.
The results were analyzed by plotting a graph between the area of cross section of
the wire and its resistance.
Conclusion
It is found that the resistance of a conductor
1. Varies with the nature of the material.
2. Is directly proportional to its length.
3. Is inversely proportional to its area of cross section.
PRECAUTIONS
1. Ensure the voltage source is within the safe operating range of the circuit
components.
2. Double-check connections to prevent short circuits or improper measurements.
3. Use appropriate measuring instruments calibrated for accurate readings.
4. Avoid overheating components by regulating current and voltage levels.
5. Disconnect power before making or adjusting connections to prevent electrical
shocks.
6. Handle components with care to prevent damage or injury during experimentation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. www.scribd.com
2. www.studocu.com
3. www.uniprojectmaterials.com
4. www.knowledgecycle.in
5. chatgpt.com
