Question

You are given a copper bar of dimensions 3 cm × 5 cm × 8 cm and asked to attach leads to it in order to make a resistor. (a) If you want to achieve the SMALLEST possible resistance, you should attach the leads to the opposite faces that measure A) 3 cm × 5 cm. B) 3 cm × 8 cm. C) 5 cm × 8 cm. D) Any pair of faces produces the same resistance. (b) If you want to achieve the LARGEST possible resistance, you should attach the leads to the opposite faces that measure A) 3 cm × 5 cm. B) 3 cm × 8 cm. C) 5 cm × 8 cm. D) Any pair of faces produces the same resistance.

Answer 1

A) If you want to achieve the SMALLEST possible resistance, you should attach the leads to the opposite faces that measure b) 5 cm by 8 cm.

B) If you want to achieve the LARGEST possible resistance, you should attach the leads to the opposite faces that measure a) 3 cm × 5 cm

Step-by-step explanation:

Resistivity is directly proportional to lenght and inversely properly to cross sectional area.

For the first case, 5 cm by 8 cm gives the largest area and leave 3 cm as the lenght. The resistivity of the metal will be smallest in these dimensions.

For the second case, 3 cm by 5 cm gives the smallest area, leaving 8 cm as the lenght. This is the maximum arrangement that can give the largest resistance possible.