Final answer:
A resistor of 1/8 inch diameter and 3/8 inch length is a component used to control electrical current flow. Its resistance, based on several factors including dimension and material properties, is expressed as 20 × 105 ± 10%. Resistance is a function of length, cross-sectional area, and resistivity, and is affected by temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
A resistor that is 1/8 inch in diameter and 3/8 inch long is an electrical component designed to introduce resistance into a circuit. Resistors are widely used in electronics to control current flow, divide voltages, and many other purposes. The resistance of a resistor is determined by several factors including its length, cross-sectional area, and the material's resistivity.
The provided resistor has a resistance of 20 × 105 ± 10%. This means the resistance can vary by 10% from the stated value. The concept of resistance is relative; for example, certain ceramic insulators have resistances over 1012, while a dry person's hand-to-foot resistance is around 105, and a copper wire can have as little as 10-5 ohms.
The relationship between resistance, length, cross-sectional area, and resistivity is essential to understanding how these factors contribute to the overall resistance of a resistor. Additionally, temperature can also affect the resistivity of materials, which in turn influences resistance.