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Practical Writeup

This document outlines an experiment to determine the resistivity of a constantan wire by measuring its resistance over different lengths. The experiment involves taking current and voltage measurements at 0.25m intervals along a 2m wire and using the data to calculate resistivity. Safety considerations and sources of error are also discussed.

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David Holmes
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74 views

Practical Writeup

This document outlines an experiment to determine the resistivity of a constantan wire by measuring its resistance over different lengths. The experiment involves taking current and voltage measurements at 0.25m intervals along a 2m wire and using the data to calculate resistivity. Safety considerations and sources of error are also discussed.

Uploaded by

David Holmes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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3rd of May 2024

Practical Writeup: Examination of Resistivity


Experiment Objectives:
The primary goal of this experiment is to ascertain the resistivity of a constantan wire measuring 2 meters in length.

Variables:
 Independent Variable: Length (L) of the wire (measured in meters).
 Dependent Variable: Current (I) flowing through the wire (measured in Amperes).

Control Variables:
1. Voltage applied across the wire.
2. Material composition of the wire.

Equipment Purpose
Ammeter To determine the current through the wire.
Voltmeter To determine the voltage across the wire.
2.0 m of constant wire To calculate its resistivity.
Flying Lead A wire with a crocodile clip at one end to allow connection at any point along the test wire.
Metre ruler To measure the length of the wire.
Micrometre To measure the diameter of the wire.
Power supply To provide the voltage through the wire.

Resolution of measuring equipment:


- Metre ruler: 1 mm
- Micrometre screw gauge: 0.01 mm
- Voltmeter: 0.1 V
- Ammeter: 0.01 A

Method:
1. Measure the constantan wire's diameter with a micrometre, taking 5-10 random measurements.
2. Calculate the mean diameter from these measurements.
3. Attach the wire to a ruler, aligning one end at 0, and connect the ammeter and voltmeter.
4. Set up the flying lead at 0.25 m from the start of the wire.
5. Apply a 6.0 V voltage through the wire, ensuring voltage is correct.
6. Read and record the current from the ammeter, switching off the power after each reading.
7. Adjust the flying lead in 0.25 m intervals along the wire until reaching 2.0 m.
8. Take current readings for each interval, recording at least 3 readings per length.
9. Calculate the average current (I) for each length.
10. Use the recorded data to compute the average resistance for each length of the wire.

Calculate R (Resistance) using R = V/I


Where:
 R represents the average resistance of the wire length (Ω),
 V stands for the potential difference across the circuit (V).
 I denotes the average current flowing through the wire for the selected length (A).
Graph:

Evaluation:

Systematic Errors:

 Ensure that the wire's circuit attachment point, not the flying lead, aligns precisely with the 0 mark on the ruler to
prevent potential zero errors in length measurements.

Random Errors:

 Limit the current flow through the wire to small values to minimize temperature-induced changes in resistance and
resistivity, which can affect measurements. Maintaining a constant and low temperature is crucial.
 Turn off the current between readings to prevent temperature fluctuations that could alter the wire's resistance.
 Conduct 5-10 measurements of the wire's diameter using the micrometre screw gauge and determine the average
diameter to minimize random errors in measurement accuracy.

Safety Considerations:

 Exercise caution when dealing with high currents and thin wires, as they can quickly heat up.
 Avoid direct contact with the wire when the circuit is active.
 Immediately power off the supply if any burning Odor is detected.
 Keep all liquids away from the equipment to prevent damage to electrical components.

Harvard References:

AQA Physics A-level Required Practical 5 Determination of resistivity of a wire using a micrometre, ammeter, and
voltmeter. (n.d.). Available at: https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Physics/A-level/Notes/AQA/Practical-
Skills/RP%2005%20-%20Determination%20of%20Resistivity%20of%20a%20Wire.pdf.
‌
5.2.4 Required Practical: Investigating Resistivity | AQA A Level Physics Revision Notes 2017 (no date).
https://www.savemyexams.com/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/5-electricity/5-2-resistance--resistivity/5-2-
4-required-practical-investigating-resistivity/.

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