Physics 5054 · O Level · Resistance

Resistance — practice question

A student studies how the resistance $R$ of wires with different lengths depends on their length $l$. Resistance is given by the equation: $R = \frac{V}{I}$ where $V$ is the voltage and $I$ is the current. The student is given several lengths of wire made from the same material. He sets up the circuit shown in Fig. 1.1.
(a)[1]

State one feature of the wire that must stay unchanged if the comparison is to be fair.

(b)[1]

On Fig. 1.1, draw a voltmeter symbol so that it measures the voltage across the wire length.

(c(i))[1]

Name the apparatus used to measure the wire length between the crocodile clips.

(c(ii))[2]

Record the current and voltage readings for this wire length. current = [BLANK] mA voltage = [BLANK] V

(d(ii))[4]

On Fig. 1.3, plot the graph of $R/\Omega$ on the $y$-axis against $l$/cm on the $x$-axis. Start both axes from the origin $(0,0)$. Draw the straight line of best fit.

(d(iii))[1]

State the relationship between $R$ and $l$ shown by your graph.

(d(iv))[1]

Use your graph to determine the length of wire that has a resistance of $14\,\Omega$. Show how you determine this value on your graph. length of wire needed = [BLANK] cm

(e)[1]

A second student does the same experiment. He uses one continuous $120.0\,\text{cm}$ length of wire. He places two crocodile clips at different positions along the $120.0\,\text{cm}$ wire so that the required length of wire for each measurement lies between them for every reading. He switches off the power supply after each reading and leaves a short pause before taking the next reading. Suggest a reason for waiting a short time.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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