MadSci Network: Physics |
Resistance is directly proportional to the length of a wire (longer wire, more resistance) and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area (bigger cross section, less resistance). Since this is a research project, I sugguest you check any first year college physics book, such as "Sears, Zemansky, and Young", or "Halliday and Resnick". There you will find a complete derivation of the relationship of resistance to length and area. There may also be an explanation of why different metals have different resistance; for example, why copper is better than aluminum which is better than steel. Happy Hunting! Christopher M. Seaman Alcoa Technical Center
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