A wire with resistance is cut into seven equal parts. These parts are then connected in parallel. If the equivalent resistance of this new combination is , what is the value of the ratio ?
- AOption (a)
49
- BOption (b)
7
- COption (c)
1/7
- DOption (d)
1/49
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Correct answer
49
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 49.
Key Points
- The resistance of a conductor is directly proportional to its length (L) and inversely proportional to its area of cross-section (A). The formula is given by R = ρ(L/A), where ρ is the resistivity of the material.
- When a wire of total resistance R is cut into 7 equal parts, the length of each part becomes 1/7th of the original length. Since the material and area of cross-section remain the same, the resistance of each small part (let it be r) is r = R / 7.
- In a parallel combination, the reciprocal of the equivalent resistance (R') is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances. Since all 7 parts are identical, the formula becomes 1/R' = 1/r + 1/r + 1/r + 1/r + 1/r + 1/r + 1/r.
- Substituting the value of r, we get 1/R' = 7 / (R/7), which simplifies to 1/R' = 49 / R.
- To find the ratio R / R', we rearrange the equation: R / R' = 49. Hence, the calculated ratio is 49.
Additional Information
- Factors affecting Resistance: The resistance of a wire depends on the nature of the material, the temperature, the length, and the cross-sectional area. If the temperature is constant, resistance is solely determined by dimensions and resistivity.
- Series Connection: If these 7 parts were connected in series instead of parallel, the equivalent resistance would be the sum of individual resistances (R/7 + R/7 + ... 7 times), which would result back in the original resistance R.
- Parallel Connection Features: In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each resistor remains the same, while the total current is the sum of the currents through each branch. This connection effectively increases the total area of cross-section, thereby reducing the equivalent resistance.
- Resistivity (ρ): It is an intrinsic property of the material. Cutting the wire into pieces does not change its resistivity, as it only depends on the material type (e.g., copper, aluminum) and temperature.
- Ohm's Law: This law states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, provided physical conditions remain constant (V = IR).
Important Points
- Unit of Resistance: The SI unit of resistance is the Ohm, represented by the Greek letter Ω.
- Mathematical Generalization: If a wire of resistance R is cut into n equal parts and connected in parallel, the new resistance R' will always be R / (n^2). In this specific question, n = 7, so R' = R / 49.
- Ratio Analysis: The ratio R / R' represents how many times the resistance has decreased. A ratio of 49 indicates a significant drop in resistance, which is typical when moving from a single long wire to multiple parallel paths.
- Applications: This principle is used in power distribution and household wiring, where appliances are connected in parallel to ensure low equivalent resistance and independent operation.