Physics SBA Project
Title:
Investigating the Relationship Between Length of a Wire and Its Electrical Resistance
Stage 1: Problem Identification
Statement of the Problem:
Many learners find it difficult to understand how resistance in a conductor changes when
the length of the wire is varied. This experiment aims to explore that relationship.
Statement of Intent:
The aim of this project is to investigate how the length of a wire affects its resistance, using
simple apparatus and Ohm’s Law.
Main Idea:
To test different lengths of wire, measure the resistance, and determine if there is a pattern
in the results.
Design Specification:
- Power supply (battery or cell)
- Ammeter
- Voltmeter
- Rheostat (variable resistor)
- Connecting wires
- Nichrome wire
- Ruler or meter rule
- Crocodile clips
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
1. Ohm’s Law Experiments:
- Measure current and voltage, calculate resistance using R = V/I.
- Success: Standard method in school labs.
2. Use of Resistance Formula:
- Resistance = ρL/A (resistivity × length / area).
- Success: Useful in theory, but resistivity is hard to measure accurately in school setups.
3. Computer Simulations:
- Simulate current and resistance in circuits.
- Success: Safe and fast but lacks hands-on practice.
4. Physics Textbook Case Studies:
- Projects with real data and graphs.
- Success: Good for analysis but not interactive.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
1. Using a Constant Power Source and Measuring Devices
- Advantages: Real data, good accuracy, standard method
- Disadvantages: Needs careful setup and supervision
2. Using Light Bulbs as Resistance Indicators
- Advantages: Easy to observe brightness change
- Disadvantages: Hard to measure actual resistance
3. Using Online Circuit Simulators
- Advantages: Safe, quick, and accessible
- Disadvantages: May not reflect real-world results
4. Using Fixed Length and Varying Materials
- Advantages: Shows material effect on resistance
- Disadvantages: Not focused on length variable
Stage 4: Choice of Best Idea
Chosen Method: Using Measuring Devices (Voltmeter and Ammeter)
Reason:
This method is accurate, allows use of formulas, and gives measurable values. It is suitable
for classroom experiments and directly applies Ohm’s Law.
Stage 5: Development of Chosen Idea
Materials Used:
- Power source (cell or battery)
- Ammeter
- Voltmeter
- Switch
- Nichrome wire (same thickness)
- Ruler
- Crocodile clips
- Connecting wires
Process:
1. Set up a simple circuit with the ammeter and voltmeter connected correctly.
2. Cut nichrome wire into 5 different lengths (e.g. 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, 50cm).
3. Measure voltage across and current through each wire.
4. Calculate resistance using R = V/I for each length.
5. Record and analyze results.
Stage 6: Presentation of Results
Results Table:
Length (cm) Voltage (V) Current (A) Resistance (Ω)
10 0.42 0.84 0.5
20 0.71 0.84 0.85
30 1.02 0.84 1.21
40 1.31 0.84 1.56
50 1.61 0.84 1.92
Graphical Representation:
Interpretation:
The graph shows a linear relationship between resistance and length. This confirms that
resistance increases proportionally with the length of the wire.
Stage 7: Evaluation and Recommendations
Evaluation:
The experiment confirmed that resistance increases with the length of the wire. The graph
showed a linear relationship, supporting the theory. Measurements were accurate, and
results were consistent.
Challenges Faced:
- Keeping current constant was difficult.
- Wires got warm at longer lengths.
- Some measurements fluctuated.
Recommendations:
- Use wires of equal thickness and material.
- Let wires cool between readings.
- Double-check connections and instrument readings.
- Repeat the experiment to ensure accuracy.
