The Nature of Resistance Original: 7 August 2008; Revision: 29 June 2010; 6 November 2013 Authors: Jim Overhiser and Julie Nucci Appropriate Level: Regents and AP Physics Abstract: Students perform a series of guided activities that illustrate how microscopic and macroscopic features of metals relate to resistance and current flow. Activities include: thermal considerations of resistance, electron under an applied voltage, the effect of defects on resistivity, and the effect of length and cross-sectional area on resistance. Time Required: Three to four 40 minute lab periods NY Standards Met: Energy may be stored in electric or magnetic fields. This energy may be transferred through conductors or spaces and may be converted to other forms of energy. (4.1j) All materials display a range of conductivity. At constant temperature, common metallic conductors obey Ohm’s Law. (4.1l) The factors affecting resistance in a conductor are length, cross-sectional area, temperature and resistivity. (4.1m) Special Notes: This activity assumes knowledge of atomic bonding, Ohm’s Law and conceptual definitions of current, resistance, and voltage. These materials are made available to Purdue University Science Express through a collaboration with the Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
The Nature of Resistance Original: Revision: 7 August 2008; 29 June 2010; 6 November 2013 Authors: Jim Overhiser and Julie Nucci Appropriate Level: Regents and AP Physics Abstract: Students perform a series of guided activities that illustrate how microscopic and macroscopic features of metals relate to resistance and current flow. Activities include: thermal considerations of resistance, electron under an applied voltage, the effect of defects on resistivity, and the effect of length and cross-sectional area on resistance. Time Required: Three to four 40 minute lab periods NY Standards Met: Energy may be stored in electric or magnetic fields. This energy may be transferred through conductors or spaces and may be converted to other forms of energy. (4.1j) All materials display a range of conductivity. At constant temperature, common metallic conductors obey Ohm’s Law. (4.1l) The factors affecting resistance in a conductor are length, cross-sectional area, temperature and resistivity. (4.1m) Special Notes: This activity assumes knowledge of atomic bonding, Ohm’s Law and conceptual definitions of current, resistance, and voltage. These materials are made available to Purdue University Science Express through a collaboration with the Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Nature%20of%20Resistance-CIPT_SE_rev_OCR.docx