Calculate Resistance and resistivity

AI Thread Summary
Calculating resistance and resistivity requires specific data, including current (I) alongside voltage (V), diameter, area, and inverse area values. Without the current value, it is impossible to determine resistance or resistivity accurately. The discussion highlights the frustration of not having all necessary data during a lab experiment, emphasizing the importance of understanding theoretical concepts before conducting practical work. Participants suggest consulting lab partners or instructors for missing information and stress the value of knowing expected outputs prior to the lab. Overall, thorough preparation and theoretical knowledge are essential for successful lab outcomes.
Steelers72
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I have voltage, diameter, area, and inverse area data values. How could I calculate the resistance and resistivity with these numbers? I am pretty sure resistance is R=V/I and resistivity= RA/L , so I am not sure how I can calculate resistance without an I value.
 
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Steelers72 said:
I have voltage, diameter, area, and inverse area data values. How could I calculate the resistance and resistivity with these numbers? I am pretty sure resistance is R=V/I and resistivity= RA/L , so I am not sure how I can calculate resistance without an I value.
You are right. If you aren't told either R or both V and I, you cannot find resistivity. Are you trying to answer a Question in a book? Perhaps the current value is hidden somewhere else.
 
sophiecentaur said:
You are right. If you aren't told either R or both V and I, you cannot find resistivity. Are you trying to answer a Question in a book? Perhaps the current value is hidden somewhere else.
Im not sure. It was a lab. Very frustrating because current is mentioned anywhere
 
Yes: frustrating if you can't go back and do it again. It can be difficult if you are working to a set of instructions which are presented in steps but without the necessary background. I don't know where you can go from here to get an actual result - but you have sussed out the theory now so everything isn't lost. :smile:
 
Steelers72 said:
It was a lab

Tip for labs:
Before any lab, always know what your outputs, that is results, should be. Know what you are looking for.

Then you determine before the lab what measurements, what variables, are required during the lab.
 
Thanks for the advice. I wish there was a manual it is all written in paragraph form. Annoying.
 
alw34 said:
Tip for labs:
Before any lab, always know what your outputs, that is results, should be. Know what you are looking for.

Then you determine before the lab what measurements, what variables, are required during the lab.
Absolutely. Just following your nose through a series of measurements can often lead you nowhere. Despite the 'learning by doing' mantra that's practiced in many places, getting to know the theory first is much more reliable.
 
Steelers72 said:
Thanks for the advice. I wish there was a manual it is all written in paragraph form. Annoying.
The theory isn't in manuals - it's in textbooks, which have probably been better thought out than a set of lab instructions.
 
  • #10
sophiecentaur said:
if you can't go back and do it again.

good point. If you had lab partners and they recorded what you need get it. Otherwise go back to the lab instructor explain your problem and do it over. I taught EE labs as a grad student and several times people came back to do some additional work...no big deal.
 
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