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Ch.1 - Matter, Measurement & Problem Solving
Chapter 1, Problem 141

A length of #8 copper wire (radius = 1.63 mm) has a mass of 24.0 kg and a resistance of 2.061 ohm per km (Ω / km). What is the overall resistance of the wire?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Resistance

Resistance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of electric current in a conductor. It is influenced by the material's properties, length, and cross-sectional area. The formula for resistance (R) is R = ρ(L/A), where ρ is the resistivity, L is the length, and A is the cross-sectional area. Understanding resistance is crucial for calculating how much current will flow through a wire for a given voltage.
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Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R). It is expressed as V = IR. This fundamental principle helps in understanding how voltage, current, and resistance interact in electrical circuits, which is essential for solving problems related to wire resistance.
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Cross-sectional Area

The cross-sectional area of a wire is the area of its circular end face, which affects its resistance. It can be calculated using the formula A = πr², where r is the radius of the wire. A larger cross-sectional area results in lower resistance, allowing more current to flow. This concept is vital when determining the overall resistance of a wire, as it directly influences the resistance value.
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