Basic Concept of Resistance

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The concept of Resistance
- state the definition that resistance = p.d. /current.
Resistance indicate how difficult it is for charges to pass through a
component
When the resistance is high, a large amount of energy is used to drive
charges pass through a component. Hence resistance is proportional
to p.d.
When the resistance is high, a small amount of current can pass
through a component. Hence resistance is inversely proportional to
current.
1. Different materials allow charges or currents to pass through it with varying levels of difficulties.
2. Conductors are materials that allows charges to pass through easily. Even amongst the conducting
materials, there are varying degree of ease of conduction. Examples are metals such as copper, silver or
gold.
Good
conductor
Easy for
charges to
pass
through
material
Dissipates little energy when
a current passes through it.
A large current is observed to
pass through it
Potential difference low Current high
Poor
conductor
- Difficult for
charges to
pass
through
material
Dissipates a large amount of
energy when a current
passes through it.
A small current is observed to
pass through it.
Potential difference high Current low
3. Insulators are materials that do not allow current to pass through them. Examples are rubber, plastics,
wood.
4. Resistance is an electrical property that measures how much a material opposes the flow of electrical
current.
Resistance =
Page 1 of 11 Resistance
19/05/2014 http://203.116.147.200/egss/science/physics/current/concept-of-resistance.html
A pictorial form of the formula to help you to remember it. Click here for more.
Resistance is measured in ohm,
Current is measured in ampere, A
Potential difference in volts, V
5. Hence to measure resistance of a filament lamp, we need to measure its p.d. and the current passing
through it.
Question 1
Based on the definition of resistance, what is the resistance of a component that is an ideal conductor?
Explain your reasoning.
Click here for answer (new window)
Question 2
Based on the definition of resistance, what is the resistance of a component that is an ideal insulator?
Explain your reasoning.
Question 3
Considering the resistance of 3 lengths of iron wires as
Resistance wire A, 10
Resistance wire B, 100
Resistance wire C, 10000
(a) Assuming the same current passing through all 3 wires, which one will be the hottest after the circuit
has been on for a while?
(b) If they are connected individually across a 1.5 V battery, which will have the highest current passing
through it? Explain
(c) In an electric circuit, what can a resistor be used for?
Further readings
1. A short description of resistance
http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/resistance.htm
2. Resistance
http://www.study-center.com/femp/content/demo/basics/bbres.htm
3. Examples of calculations with R = V/I
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_2/1.html
- Describe an experiment to determine the resistance of a metallic conductor
using a voltmeter and an ammeter, and make the necessary calculations.
Note: graphical analysis of the result is not needed.
Use tabulated data to find average of V/I
- State Ohm's law. Distinguish between the definition of resistance and Ohm's
Law.
An experiment to determine the resistance of a metallic conductor
Apparatus: Battery, variable resistance, metallic conductor of unknown resistance, connecting wires to link
up the conmponents, voltmeter and ammeter.
Procedure:
1. Set up the experiment as shown in the diagram. The voltmeter is connected such that one end of the
probe is connected such that it is in contact with charges before entering the conductor, and another
probe in contact with charges leaving the conductor. In this way, the voltmeter can measure the potential
difference.
2. The ammeter is connected such that the current passing through it is the same as the current passing
through the metal conductor.
3. The variable resistance has a resistance that can be changed. Increasing the resistance of the variable
resistance makes it more difficult for current to flow, hence reducing the current in the circuit.
Reducing the resistance of the variable resistance makes it more easy for current to flow, thereby
increasing the current flowing in the circuit.
4. Vary the current by adjusting the resistance of the variable resistance. Record the values of current, I (A)
and p.d. across the metallic conductor, V (V).
5. Tabulate the values of V and I. Calculate the average value of resistance = V/I
Question 4
An experiment was conducted to determine the resistance of a metallic conductor and the results are shown
in the table below. Fill in the missing entries.
P.d. /V Current /A Resistance /
1.2 0.30
0.40
2.0 0.62
0.60
2.8 0.70
(a) Calculate the average resistance of the conductor.
(b) What could be the reasons for the third reading to be different?
Ohm's Law
When the resistance of a component is a constant, i.e. resistance does not change no matter how long or
how much current has been passing through it, we say that the component obeys ohm's law.
Ohm's law states that the current flowing through it is directly proportional to the potential
difference across its end.
Resistance = = constant
A conductor that obeys Ohm's Law is called an ohmic conductor.
Question 5
What is the difference between the statement for ohm's law and that for resistance?
Question 6
In an electric kettle, the heating coil has a resistance that is increasing with increasing temperature.
(a) Explain why the heating coil is not an ohmic conductor?
(b) The heating coil is just turned on at room temperature with a resistance of 28.8. The potential difference
across the coil is kept constant at 240V throughout the process of boiling. Is the current flowing in the
heating coil higher or lower compared to an ohmic conductor when the water is boiling?
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