In electrical circuits, the physical characteristics of a conductor govern its opposition to current flow. Match each conductor modification on the left with its resulting effect on electrical resistance on the right.
- Extending the physical length of the wireIncreases resistance because electrons must traverse a longer conductive path
- Increasing the wire diameter (larger cross-sectional area)Decreases resistance because a wider cross-section provides more parallel pathways for electron flow
- Elevating the operating temperature of a standard copper wireIncreases resistance because increased lattice vibrations cause more frequent electron collisions
- Replacing copper with nichrome of identical dimensionsIncreases resistance because the substitute alloy has a significantly higher intrinsic resistivity
Answer
Extending length matches with increasing resistance due to a longer path; increasing diameter matches with decreasing resistance due to a wider cross-section; elevating temperature matches with increasing resistance due to increased atomic vibrations; replacing copper with nichrome matches with increasing resistance due to higher intrinsic resistivity.
Each modification is correctly paired according to the fundamental resistance formula and the positive temperature coefficient of metallic conductors: increasing length increases , increasing cross-sectional area decreases , heating the metal increases , and selecting a higher resistivity material increases .
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The resistance of a conductor is determined by its physical dimensions (length and cross-sectional area), material resistivity, and operating temperature.
Estimated Time:45s