1. What is Wire Resistance?

Wire resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current through a conductor. It depends on the material's resistivity, the length of the wire, and its cross-sectional area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Resistance (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 longer wires and higher resistivity materials, but decreases with larger cross-sectional areas.

3. Importance of Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating wire resistance is essential for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate wire gauges, and ensuring proper current flow 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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is resistivity?
A: Resistivity is a material property that quantifies how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current.

Q2: How does temperature affect resistance?
A: For most conductors, resistance increases with temperature due to increased atomic vibrations that impede electron flow.

Q3: What are common resistivity values?
A: Copper: 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: 2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Silver: 1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m (at 20°C).

Q4: How do I calculate cross-sectional area for round wires?
A: For round wires, area = π × (diameter/2)². Make sure to use consistent units.

Q5: Why does resistance increase with length?
A: Longer wires provide more obstacles (atoms) for electrons to collide with, increasing resistance proportionally.