Physics

Physics coursework

Aim to see how the resistance of a wire changes with the length of the wire. Also does the colour etc affect the resistance as well.

Factors

 Thickness

 Length of the wire

 What is it made of

 Where is it

 Is it a good or bad conductor of electricity

 volatge

Prediction I predict that the resistance will become higher as the length becomes longer because the more length there is to travel making it harder for the electricity to travel.

Method

 One power pack

 One voltmeter

 One ampmeter

 One wire and ruler

 Five ordinary wires

 Two crocodile clips

1. Collect the equipment above.

2. Connect power pack, voltmeter, ampmeter and wire together using the ordinary wires you have.

3. Attach the crocodile clips to wire then measure the length and then readjust it to 10 or your starting point.

4. Draw up a table

5. Collect your results; make sure you have at least 5 results in one test. Do not touch the wire when collecting your results because it will be hot.

6. Do a second test repeating stages 4 and 5.

7. Draw a graph to show your results and write up your experiment.

Fair test to keep it a fair test. I will do the tests at least twice. Keeping all the equipment I use and all the factors the same.

Results

Test 1

Length voltage current resistance

10 1.9 -1.55 1.2

20 2.1 -0.9 2.4

30 2.2 -0.65 3.4

40 2.3 -0.51 4.6

50 2.4 -0.41 5.8

Test 2

Length voltage current resistance

10 1.92 -1.56 1.2

20 2.14 -0.88

...