2.3.5

Variable Resistance

Test yourself

Wires and Resistance

The resistance of a wire depends on the wire’s length and cross-sectional area of the circular end of the wire. Resistance (in ohms) is proportional to (α) the length (in metres) divided by the cross-sectional area (in metres squared).

Illustrative background for Size of a wireIllustrative background for Size of a wire ?? "content

Size of a wire

  • Increasing the length of a wire, increases the resistance of the wire.
  • Decreasing the cross-sectional area of the wire increases its resistance.
  • So short, wide wires have less resistance than long, narrow wires.
Illustrative background for Wire thicknessIllustrative background for Wire thickness ?? "content

Wire thickness

  • The cross-sectional area (A) of a circular wire is equal to π times its radius (r) squared.
  • Therefore, doubling the thickness of a wire quadruples its cross-sectional area.

Jump to other topics

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium