What is the resistance of thin wires?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The resistance of thin wires tends to be small rather than large. Thin wires have a smaller cross-sectional area, which generally allows electrical current to pass through more easily compared to thicker wires. The relationship between resistance, resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area is given by the formula:

[ R = \frac{\rho L}{A} ]

Where ( R ) is resistance, ( \rho ) is resistivity (a material property), ( L ) is the length of the wire, and ( A ) is the cross-sectional area. For thin wires, as the area ( A ) decreases, resistance ( R ) increases; however, even when thin, most typical thin wires still have relatively small resistance compared to other forms of conductors or materials.

In summary, thin wires typically exhibit small resistance values due to their geometry and the conductive materials used, making them suitable for various electrical applications requiring lower resistance paths.

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