An experiment is conducted to measure the electrical resistivity of Nichrome in the form of wires with different lengths and cross-sectional areas. For one set of measurements, a student uses 30-gauge wire, which has a cross-sectional area of 7.30 x 10-8 m2. The student measures the potential difference across the wire and the current in the wire with a voltmeter and an ammeter, respectively. For each of the measurements given in the table taken on wires of three different lengths, calculate the resistance of the wires and the corresponding values of the resistivity. What is the average value of the resistivity, and how does this value compare with the value given in Table 27.1?
L (m) ∆V (V) I (A) R (Ω) p (Ω ∙ m)
0.540 5.22 0.500
1.028 5.82 0.276
1.543 5.94 0.187