Rankers Physics

Combination of Resistors: Practice Problem & Solution

The electric resistance of a certain wire of iron is $R$. If its length and radius are both doubled, then: (2004)
The resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will remain unchanged
The resistance will be halved and the specific resistance will be doubled
The resistance and the specific resistance, will both remain unchanged
The resistance will be doubled and the specific resistance will be halved

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Combination of Resistors. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Specific resistance depends only on the material, so it remains unchanged. Resistance $R = \rho \frac{l}{\pi r^{2}}$. If $l \rightarrow 2l$ and $r \rightarrow 2r$, $R' = \rho \frac{2l}{\pi (2r)^{2}} = \frac{1}{2} \rho \frac{l}{\pi r^{2}} = \frac{R}{2}$.

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