A wire of length 100cm and cross-sectional area of 2.0 x 10-3cm2 has a resistance of 0.10 Ω. Calculate its electrical conductivity.
Answer Details
Electrical conductivity is a measure of how easily a material can conduct electricity. It is the reciprocal of electrical resistivity. The formula for electrical conductivity is given by:
σ = 1/ρ
Where σ is electrical conductivity and ρ is electrical resistivity.
We are given the length (L) of the wire as 100 cm, the cross-sectional area (A) as 2.0 x 10^-3 cm^2, and the resistance (R) as 0.10 Ω. We can use Ohm's law to calculate the resistivity (ρ):
R = ρ*L/A
ρ = RA/L
Substituting the given values, we get:
ρ = (0.10 Ω)*(2.0 x 10^-3 cm^2)/100 cm
ρ = 2.0 x 10^-6 Ω cm
Now, we can calculate the electrical conductivity using the formula:
σ = 1/ρ
σ = 1/(2.0 x 10^-6 Ω cm)
σ = 5.0 x 10^5 Ω^-1 cm^-1
Therefore, the electrical conductivity of the wire is 5.0 x 10^5 Ω^-1 cm^-1.
Answer: 5.0 x 10^5 Ω^-1 cm^-1