Resistivity and temperature: The temperature coefficient of resistivity for copper is 0.0068 (C°)^-1. If a copper wire has a resistance of 104 Ω at 20°C, what is its resistance 80°C?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resistance of a conductor at a temperature $T_2$ can be calculated using the formula $R_2 = R_1[1 + \alpha(T_2 - T_1)]$, where $R_1$ is the initial resistance, $R_2$ is the final resistance, $\alpha$ is the temperature coefficient of resistivity, $T_1$ is the initial temperature, and $T_2$ is the final temperature. Plugging in the given values: $R_2 = 104[1 + 0.0068(80 - 20)] = 104[1 + 0.0068(60)] = 104[1 + 0.408] = 104 \times 1.408 = 146.432 \Omega$. Rounding to the nearest whole number gives 146 Ω.

Resistivity and Temperature: the Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity for Copper