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Methods for Overcoming Resistance

Electrical resistance is a macroscopic measurement and is due to electrons scattering off one another and off wire boundaries. Resistance is a key quantity used by scientists, engineers and electricians to fault test cables. In general, to conserve energy, wires of low electrical resistance are desirable, and there are a number of ways to ensure this.
  1. Resistivity

    • Electrical resistivity is a material-specific property and is a measure of how much scattering occurs within a given material, regardless of its dimensions. Materials with a low resistivity include gold, silver and copper. These materials are commonly used for good electrical connectivity and contact. Other materials such as cobalt, nickel and iron, although conductors, have higher resistivity.

    Wire Length

    • The equation for resistance is:

      Resistance = (Resistivity x Length) / (width x thickness)

      Therefore, keeping the electrical wire as short as possible leads to the minimum electrical resistance. This is due to the probability of electron scattering being proportional to the distance they travel.

    Wire Width

    • Wires of greater width have a lower resistance than those of less width. Therefore, ensure that the wire being used is as wide as possible, given physical constraints. Increased wire width leads to a lower resistance because it means there is "more space" for electrons to flow without scattering off one another.

    Wire Thickness

    • Wires with a large thickness have a lower resistance than those with a small thickness. Therefore, ensure that the wire thickness is as large as possible. Larger thicknesses lead to more space for the electrons to travel and mean a lower probability of scattering.


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