Calculating Resistance: How Do You Determine Resistance in a Conductor?

Thread starter leon24
Start date Feb 18, 2011
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Resistance

In summary, resistance is the measure of how much a material or device impedes the flow of electric current, and is denoted by the symbol "R" and measured in Ohms (Ω). It can be calculated using Ohm's Law or the formula R = ρL/A, and is affected by factors such as length, cross-sectional area, temperature, resistivity, and conductivity. To measure resistance, a multimeter is needed, which can be set to the resistance (Ω) setting and connected to the material or device. Resistance is important in fields such as electrical engineering, electronics, and physics for designing circuits, determining material efficiency, and understanding electricity behavior in systems.

Feb 18, 2011

leon24

how do u calculate resistance in a conductor in relation to its length disregarding cross-sectional area... R=ρ L/ A and what's p?

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Feb 18, 2011

rock.freak667

Homework Helper

The resistivity, a constant depending on the material used.

Related to Calculating Resistance: How Do You Determine Resistance in a Conductor?

1. What is resistance?

Resistance is the measure of how much a material or device impedes the flow of electric current. It is measured in Ohms (Ω) and is denoted by the symbol "R".

2. How is resistance calculated?

The resistance can be calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that resistance is equal to the voltage (V) divided by the current (I), or R = V/I. It can also be calculated using the formula R = ρL/A, where ρ is the resistivity of the material, L is the length of the material, and A is the cross-sectional area.

3. What factors affect resistance?

The resistance of a material or device is affected by its length, cross-sectional area, and temperature. Materials with higher resistivity will also have higher resistance. Additionally, the type of material and its conductivity can also affect resistance.

4. How do I measure resistance?

To measure resistance, you will need a multimeter, which is a device that measures voltage, current, and resistance. Set the multimeter to the resistance (Ω) setting and connect the leads to the material or device you want to measure. The multimeter will then display the resistance value.

5. What are some common uses for calculating resistance?

Calculating resistance is important in many areas of science and technology, including electrical engineering, electronics, and physics. It is used to design and troubleshoot circuits, determine the efficiency of materials, and understand the behavior of electricity in various systems.