Experiment: To investigate the factors that affect the resistance of a wire

GCSE: Physics

1) Scientific Knowledge

This experiment will involve the resistance of a wire, along with current and voltage; we will think about Ohm’s law for this reason.
Ohm’s law states that the resistance of a wire is a constant and is equal to the voltage divided by the current at constant temperature.

So…

R=V/I

I=V/R

V=IR


2) Fair Test

The factors that will affect how well the investigation will work are: 1) Temperature
2) Length of wire
3) Length (time) of experiment
4) Thickness of wire
5) Voltage

These are all important factors because all of them would affect the current, which would in turn affect the resistance.

To make sure this is a fair test, we will make sure to:
1) Be quick with turning the power pack on and off (so it doesn’t overheat)
2) Use same thickness of wire (0.20mm)
3) Use same voltage power pack (6 volts)

*Very simple registration required first