FACTORS AFFECTING RESISTANCE OF A CONDUCTOR

 Resistance of a conductor is it’s ability to oppose the flow of current through it. There are several factors affecting resistance of a conductor 

1. Effect of length on resistance of a conductor 

As the length(l) of a conductor increases resistance of that conductor also increases. Resistance is directly proportional to length

ie, r α l

2. Effect of area of cross-section on resistance of a conductor 

As area of cross-section(a) of a conductor increases the resistance of a conductor decreases. Resistance of a conductor is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section of a conductor.

ie, r α 1/a

3. Nature of material 

Resistance offered by different materials is different. So resistance will vary according to the material used.

eg. Copper wire and iron wire of same thickness and length shows different resistance value.

4. Effect of temperature on resistance

As the temperature increases,The resistance of a conductor also increases. Temperature is directly proportional to the resistance of a conductor.