Question:

\(I-V\) characteristic of a copper wire of length \(L\) and area of cross-section \(A\) is shown in figure. The slope of the curve becomes
I-V characteristic of a copper wire

Updated On: Apr 2, 2025
  • More if experiment is performed at higher temperature
  • More if a wire of steel of same dimension is used
  • Less if the area of the wire is increased
  • Less if the length of the wire is increased
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The I-V characteristic curve of a wire follows Ohm's Law, where the current \(I\) is directly proportional to the voltage \(V\) and inversely proportional to the resistance \(R\). The resistance \(R\) of the wire is given by: \[ R = \rho \cdot \frac{L}{A} \] Where:
\(\rho\) is the resistivity of the material,
\(L\) is the length of the wire,
\(A\) is the cross-sectional area. The slope of the I-V characteristic curve is related to the resistance of the wire. Since resistance is directly proportional to the length of the wire, increasing the length \(L\) will increase the resistance. A higher resistance results in a lower slope of the I-V characteristic curve. 

Thus, if the length of the wire is increased, the slope of the curve decreases.

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Concepts Used:

Resistance

Resistance is the measure of opposition applied by any object to the flow of electric current. A resistor is an electronic constituent that is used in the circuit with the purpose of offering that specific amount of resistance.

R=V/I

In this case,

v = Voltage across its ends

I = Current flowing through it

All materials resist current flow to some degree. They fall into one of two broad categories:

  • Conductors: Materials that offer very little resistance where electrons can move easily. Examples: silver, copper, gold and aluminum.
  • Insulators: Materials that present high resistance and restrict the flow of electrons. Examples: Rubber, paper, glass, wood and plastic.

Resistance measurements are normally taken to indicate the condition of a component or a circuit.

  • The higher the resistance, the lower the current flow. If abnormally high, one possible cause (among many) could be damaged conductors due to burning or corrosion. All conductors give off some degree of heat, so overheating is an issue often associated with resistance.
  • The lower the resistance, the higher the current flow. Possible causes: insulators damaged by moisture or overheating.