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Episode 112: Resistivity

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students see how and why the resistance of a wire depends on the wire’s dimensions. They learn the definition of resistivity and use it in calculations.

Students explore several aspects of resistance:
• using conducting putty to demonstrate resistance in putty of different lengths and cross-sectional areas
• variation of resistance with wire length and cross-sectional area
• introducing resistivity using conducting paper
• measuring resistivity in a wire
• calculations involving resistance and resistivity, with answers provided

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