Length of a conductor vs. Resistance

In summary: Another possibility is that there is a nonlinear relationship between length and resistance at very small lengths, but that it becomes linear at larger lengths.
  • #1
yeveat
4
0
so i plotted a graph for length of a conductor vs. the resistance to the corresponding the lengths. i observed two "peaks" on the graph. I am not sure how to explain it but it's definitely not a linear relationship. It's like a bunny bouncing diagonally toward toward +y and +x (But there are two bounces) it looks like ")" but its sideways with the peak at the top and there are two of them connected diagonally.. I am sorry if I am not explaining this well, but I am just so confused. why is this happening?
 
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  • #2
What is the source of your data?
 
  • #3
im doing a play doh conductivity lab and i plotted different lengths of Play Doh vs. corresponding resistance to the lengths. i just don't know how to analyze the graph. I can't figure out how to post my graphs on here so I am posting a link of a picture that look similar to this.

http://img.springerimages.com/Image...iaObjects/WATER_11665_2009_9560_Fig3_HTML.jpg

see how there are two "leaps"? that's how it is like for mine.
 
  • #4
Don't know what's a "Play Doh" but data are meaningless in the absence of an approximate evaluation of their errors. Wich is the precision of measure of length and of resistance? Are you completely sure that the section of the body doesn't vary at all along its lenght? And what about its chemical composition? It's an alloy or a semiconductor or what else? Its shape? How exactly does the apparatus measures the resistance?
 
  • #5
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FAQ: Length of a conductor vs. Resistance

What is the relationship between the length of a conductor and its resistance?

The length of a conductor and its resistance have an inverse relationship. This means that as the length of the conductor increases, the resistance also increases. Similarly, as the length decreases, the resistance decreases.

How does the material of a conductor affect its resistance?

The material of a conductor plays a significant role in determining its resistance. Materials with higher conductivity, such as copper or silver, have lower resistance compared to materials with lower conductivity, such as iron or steel.

Does the thickness of a conductor impact its resistance?

Yes, the thickness of a conductor also affects its resistance. Thicker conductors have lower resistance compared to thinner conductors. This is because thicker conductors have a larger cross-sectional area, allowing for more room for electrons to flow through, thus decreasing resistance.

How does temperature affect the resistance of a conductor?

In most cases, an increase in temperature results in an increase in resistance. This is because higher temperatures cause the atoms in the conductor to vibrate more, making it more difficult for electrons to flow through. However, in some materials, such as semiconductors, the opposite is true, and resistance decreases with an increase in temperature.

What is the unit of measurement for resistance?

The unit of measurement for resistance is ohms (Ω). This unit is named after the German physicist Georg Ohm, who first discovered the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

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