Cambridge International

AS and A Level Physics (9702)

Practical booklet 4

Determination of the resistivity of a metal

 Introduction
Practical work is an essential part of science. Scientists use evidence gained from prior
observations and experiments to build models and theories. Their predictions are tested with
practical work to check that they are consistent with the behaviour of the real world. Learners
who are well trained and experienced in practical skills will be more confident in their own
abilities. The skills developed through practical work provide a good foundation for those
wishing to pursue science further, as well as for those entering employment or a non-science
career.

The science syllabuses address practical skills that contribute to the overall understanding of
scientific methodology. Learners should be able to:

1. plan experiments and investigations

2. collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates

3. analyse and interpret data to reach conclusions

4. evaluate methods and quality of data, and suggest improvements.

The practical skills established at AS Level are extended further in the full A Level. Learners
will need to have practised basic skills from the AS Level experiments before using these
skills to tackle the more demanding A Level exercises. Although A Level practical skills are
assessed by a timetabled written paper, the best preparation for this paper is through
extensive hands-on experience in the laboratory.

The example experiments suggested here can form the basis of a well-structured scheme of
practical work for the teaching of AS and A Level science. The experiments have been
carefully selected to reinforce theory and to develop learners’ practical skills. The syllabus,
scheme of work and past papers also provide a useful guide to the type of practical skills that
learners might be expected to develop further. About 20% of teaching time should be
allocated to practical work (not including the time spent observing teacher demonstrations),
so this set of experiments provides only the starting point for a much more extensive scheme
of practical work.

© Cambridge International Examinations 2014

2 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Practical 4 – Guidance for teachers

Determination of the resistivity of a metal

Aim
To set up a circuit including an ammeter, voltmeter and resistors in series and use Ohm’s
Law.

Outcomes
Syllabus sections 1.2e, 2.1a, 2.1b, 19.3b, 19.3e, 20.1b, 20.2d

Skills included in the practical

AS Level skills How learners develop the skills
MMO collection Construct a circuit from a circuit diagram
Use an ammeter and a voltmeter
MMO values
Use a micrometer screw gauge
MMO quality of data Measure length using a metre rule
PDO table
Collect and record data in a table
PDO recording
PDO graph Draw a graph and determine the gradient and y-intercept
ACE interpretation Interpret the gradient and y-intercept
ACE conclusions Determine the resistivity of the metal

Theory

P and Q are the crocodile clips

Diameter of constantan wire = d, so cross section area of wire = d2/4

Voltmeter reading = V; Ammeter reading = I
Distance between crocodile clips along wire = x
Resistance of resistor = R
Resistance of wire between crocodile clips = x/A
where  = resistivity of constantan, and A = cross-sectional area of constantan wire

Total resistance in series = R + x/A

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 Physics Practical 4 – Guidance for teachers

Using Ohm’s Law:

V ρx
=R+
I A

so

1 ρx R
= +
I AV V

1 ρ R
Therefore = Mx+ N where M = and N= .
I AV V
A graph of 1/I on the y-axis against x on the x-axis will have a gradient = M and
y-intercept = N.

Method
Learners
 measure the diameter d of the wire using the micrometer screw gauge.
 calculate the cross-sectional area A of the wire.
 connect the circuit with the crocodile clip Q half way along the wire.
 close the switch and read V, I and x.
 increase x and note I until they have six sets of values of x and I.

Results
 Learners should record values of x to the same number of decimal places, i.e. to the
nearest mm allowed by the rule, and I to the precision allowed by the ammeter. They
should include values of 1/I in the table. Appropriate units should be added to the column
headings.

 The number of significant figures for 1/I should be given to the same as, or one more
than, the number of significant figures for the corresponding value of I.

x I 1/I

 Learners then plot a graph of 1/I on the y-axis against x on the x-axis and draw the line of
best fit.

Interpretation and evaluation

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 Physics Practical 4 – Guidance for teachers

Learners
 determine the gradient and y-intercept of the graph line
 use the gradient and values of A and V to determine 
 use the y-intercept and V to determine R
 compare their value of  with the accepted value of 4.9 × 10–7 m2
 compare their value of R with 10 

Note
 Any of the wires in the table are suitable:

material swg diameter/mm resistivity/ m

constantan 32 0.27 4.9 × 10–7
constantan 34 0.23 4.9 × 10–7
constantan 36 0.19 4.9 × 10–7
nichrome 26 0.46 1.5 × 10–6
nichrome 28 0.38 1.5 × 10–6
nichrome 30 0.32 1.5 × 10–6

 Learners are asked to increase x. For very small values of x the resistance of the
connecting wires is significant and the graph is not linear.
 Allow learners to use any unit e.g. A or mA or cm or m and discuss at the end if their
value of  is consistent with the value of  in SI units.
 The theory assumes that V remains constant. If the results deviate from a straight line
graph it could be because V has decreased because the dry cell has remained
connected for a long period or that the cell has significant internal resistance.

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 Physics Practical 4 – Guidance for teachers

6 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Practical 4 – Information for technicians

Determination of the resistivity of a metal

Each learner will require:

(a) 1.5 V dry cell

(b) ammeter

(c) voltmeter

(d) switch

(e) seven connecting leads

(f) two crocodile clips

(g) metre rule

(h) 110 cm of constantan wire swg 34*

(i) 10 Ω resistor

(j) access to a micrometer screw gauge

Additional instructions

 any of the following wires would be suitable:

constantan 32, 34, 36 swg
nichrome 26, 28, 30 swg

 the wire should be taped to the metre rule as shown in the diagram:

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 1

 Physics Practical 4 – Information for technicians

2 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702

 Practical 4 – Worksheet

Determination of the resistivity of a metal

Aim

To set up a circuit including an ammeter, voltmeter and resistors in series, take readings
from the circuit and use Ohm’s Law.

Method

1. Use the micrometer to measure the diameter d of the thin wire that is attached to the
metre rule. You should be able to use the short length at each end on the other side of
the tape.

2. Calculate the cross section area A of the wire using the equation d2/4.

3. Set up the circuit shown:

4. Connect crocodile clip P to the short length of wire overhanging the metre rule.

5. Connect crocodile clip Q to the wire about half way along it (close to the 50 cm mark)

6. Close the switch and record values of

 length x
 ammeter reading I
 voltmeter reading V.

7. Increase x until you have six sets of values for x and I.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702 1

 Physics Practical 4 – Worksheet

Results

Record your results. Include values of 1/I, and each column heading should have a suitable
unit
x I 1/I

Interpretation and evaluation

1. Plot a graph of 1/I on the y-axis against x on the x-axis.

2. Draw the line of best fit through your points.

3. Find the gradient of your graph.

4. Find the y-intercept of your graph.

5. Theory suggests that I and x are related by the equation 1/I = Mx + N where M and N are
constants.

6. Use your results from to find values for M and N. Include appropriate units.

ρ
M= where  is the resistivity of the material of the wire
AV

R
and N= where R is the resistance of the resistor R in the circuit.
V

7. Use your values of M, N, A and V to determine values for  and R. Include appropriate
units.

2 Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702