Number of Wires & Cross-Sectional Area

In summary, a student in high school is seeking clarification on the factors affecting resistance in a wire, specifically related to the number of wires and its representation of the cross-sectional area. The student came across an experiment that showed changing the number of wires also changes the cross-sectional area, but is confused about how this affects the circuit and if it becomes a parallel circuit. They are looking for clarification on this matter.
  • #1
BranTkC
2
0
Hi there, I'm a student in high school.
I'm quite new to the forum. Please forgive my mistakes.

Homework Statement
My question is related to electricity, more specifically the factors affecting resistance in a wire. I know that resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the wire.

Does the number of wires represent the cross-sectional area of the wire?

Relevant equations
The circuit diagram is in the attachment.
I came across an experiment which describes that by changing the number of wires (ie. changing the number of eureka wires), we actually change its cross-sectional area.

The attempt at a solution
However, doesn't adding the number of wires make it become a parallel circuit?

Help to clarify please?
 

Attachments

  • Resistance.jpg
    Resistance.jpg
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  • #2
By adding more wires between points x and y, you are increasing the cross section of wire between these points. Between x and y, these wires are in parallel (so there is less current flowing through each wire. Using V=IR where V = const you can see that R reduces).
 
  • #3
Alright. Thanks!
 

FAQ: Number of Wires & Cross-Sectional Area

What is the relationship between the number of wires and cross-sectional area in an electrical circuit?

The number of wires and cross-sectional area in an electrical circuit are directly proportional. This means that as the number of wires increases, the cross-sectional area also increases. This is because more wires are needed to handle the higher current flow in a larger cross-sectional area.

Why is the cross-sectional area important in determining the number of wires needed in an electrical circuit?

The cross-sectional area of a wire is important because it determines the amount of current that can flow through it without causing overheating or other problems. A larger cross-sectional area allows for more current to flow through the wire, reducing the risk of overheating and increasing the overall efficiency of the circuit.

How does the number of wires and cross-sectional area affect the resistance of an electrical circuit?

The number of wires and cross-sectional area have an inverse relationship with the resistance of an electrical circuit. This means that as the number of wires and cross-sectional area increase, the resistance decreases. This is because a larger cross-sectional area allows for more current to flow through the wires, reducing the overall resistance in the circuit.

What is the standard unit of measurement for the cross-sectional area of wires?

The standard unit of measurement for the cross-sectional area of wires is the square millimeter (mm²). This unit is used to measure the diameter of the wire and is important in determining the amount of current that can safely flow through the wire.

How does the number of wires and cross-sectional area affect the voltage drop in an electrical circuit?

The number of wires and cross-sectional area have a direct relationship with the voltage drop in an electrical circuit. As the number of wires and cross-sectional area increase, the voltage drop also increases. This is because a larger cross-sectional area allows for more current to flow through the wires, resulting in a higher voltage drop across the circuit.

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