RESISTANCE FORMULA

Resistance = voltage drop across a resistor___

current flowing through a resistor
V
R=
I
Where:
R = resistance (Ohms, Ω)
V = voltage difference which is between the two ends of a resistor (Volts, V)
I = the current which flows through a resistor (Amperes, A)

The derivation of the formula of resistance takes place from the Ohm’s law. This law states
that the current density vector J⃗ for some materials is parallel to the electrical field E⃗, therefore:
Equation 1:

m
er as
1

co
J ⃗= σE ⃗=

eH w
E ⃗

o.
Where:
rs e
ou urc
1 1
σ= = -> is the conductivity of the material which is the inverse of ρ, the resistivity.
ρσ ρ
o

From here, consider a material of length LL which has two extremes of area AA where we apply
aC s

a potential difference ΔVΔV. Using the definition of the potential difference, it is easy to show
vi y re

that:
Equation 2:
ed d

ΔV
¿ E ⃗∨¿
ar stu

On the other hand, we can express the current flowing through the material, from the definition
is

of current density as
Equation 3:
Th

|⃗J|= I
A
sh

Using the results of equation 2 and 3 on equation, we get:

I∗ρL
¿∆V=
A

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 1
∗∆V
I ρ
=
A L

On the typical relationship, ΔV=IR, then R=ρL/A.

EXAMPLE:
1.) In an electric circuit, a current of 4.00 A flows through a resistor. The voltage drops which takes
place from one end of the resistor to the other happens to be 120 V. Find out the value of resistance?
Given:
I = 4.00 A
V = 120 V
R =?
Solution:

m
er as
V =IR

co
V 120V

eH w
R= = =30
I 4A

o.
R=30
rs e
ou urc
2.) Compute the resistance offered by the body if 2 mA of current is flowing having a potential
difference of 2 V?
o

Given:
aC s
vi y re

I = 2 mA
V=2V
Solution:
V 2V
ed d

R= = =1000
I 2 x 10−3 A
ar stu

R=1000
is

1. What is the resistance of an aluminum wire that is 10 m long and has a diameter of 3.00 mm?
Th

(AL = 2.65x10-8  m)

Given:
sh

L = 10 m
d = 3.00 mm
r = d/2 = 3.00 mm/2 = 1.5mm = 1.5x10-3 m
AL = 2.65x10-8  m
R =?

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 Solution:
L
R=
A
A=¿ r2 = (1.5x10-3 m)2
−3 2
1.5 x 10 m ¿
¿
10 m
R=(2.65 x 10−8 m) ¿

R=0.0375

2. Copper wiring in a house usually has a diameter of approximately 1.5 mm. What is the length
of copper wire would have a resistance of 1.0 ? (Cu = 1.68x10-8  m)

m
er as
Given:

co
d = 1.5 mm

eH w
r = 0.75 mm = 0.75x10-3 m

o.
R= 1.0 
Cu = 1.68x10-8  m rs e
ou urc
L=?

Solution:
o

L
aC s

R=
A
vi y re

R∗A
L=
❑
−3
1∗(0.75 x 10 m)
ed d

L=
1.68 x 10−8 m
ar stu

L=105 m
is
Th
sh

This study source was downloaded by 100000831010380 from CourseHero.com on 10-13-2021 03:16:47 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/104821289/RESISTANCE-FORMULAdocx/
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