Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 27 - Current and Resistance - Exercises and Problems - Page 765: 71

Answer

$R_{elongation} = 4R_{initial}$

Work Step by Step

Recall that $R = \displaystyle \frac{\rho L}{A}$, where $\rho$ is the resistivity of the material the wire is made from. Since in this example, the material is not changing, neither is the resistivity. So $R \propto \displaystyle \frac{L}{A}$ The trick to this problem is that the volume stays constant over elongation, that is, doubling the length of the wire will not change the volume. This means that the cross-sectional area will be changed by a factor as well. We can find that factor by: $V_{initial} = V_{final} \quad\rightarrow\quad A_{initial}L_{initial} = A_{final}L_{final}$ and we know that $2L_{initial} = L_{final}$ $A_{initial}L_{initial} = A_{final}(2L_{initial})$ $A_{initial} = 2A_{final}$ $\displaystyle \frac{A_{initial}}{2} = A_{final}$ We can now find the resistance of the elongated wire: $R_{elongation} = \displaystyle \frac{\rho L_{final}}{A_{final}} = \frac{\rho (2L_{initial})}{A_{initial}/2} = 4R_{initial}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.