1. What Is Wire Resistance?

Wire resistance is the opposition to electric current flow through a conductor. It depends on the material's resistivity, the wire's length, and its cross-sectional area according to the formula R = ρL/A.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of the material (Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of the wire (m)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the wire (m²)

Explanation: Resistance increases with length and decreases with cross-sectional area. Different materials have different inherent resistivities.

3. Importance Of Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating wire resistance is crucial for electrical design, circuit analysis, power transmission efficiency, and preventing overheating in electrical systems.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter resistivity in Ω·m, length in meters, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers. Common resistivities: copper = 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, aluminum = 2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect wire resistance?
A: Resistance is affected by material (resistivity), length, cross-sectional area, and temperature.

Q2: Why does resistance increase with temperature?
A: For most conductors, increased temperature causes more atomic vibrations, which impede electron flow and increase resistance.

Q3: How does wire gauge affect resistance?
A: Larger gauge numbers mean smaller diameters, which means smaller cross-sectional areas and higher resistance for the same length.

Q4: What is the difference between resistance and resistivity?
A: Resistivity is an intrinsic property of the material, while resistance depends on both the material and the wire's dimensions.

Q5: When is this formula not accurate?
A: At very high frequencies (skin effect), very low temperatures (superconductivity), or when temperature varies significantly from standard conditions.