Which factors affect the resistance of a wire?

Prepare for the Mohawk Basic AC and Refrigeration Exam. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to ensure you're ready for your certification!

The factors that affect the resistance of a wire are understood through the principles of electrical conductivity and the physical properties of the wire itself. The correct choice includes length, diameter, material, and temperature.

The length of the wire plays a significant role in determining resistance. The longer the wire, the more resistance it will exhibit, since electrons encounter more obstacles and have to travel a greater distance.

Diameter, or cross-sectional area, also impacts resistance inversely. A thicker wire (larger diameter) allows more electrons to flow simultaneously, which reduces resistance. Conversely, a thinner wire has a higher resistance due to fewer pathways for current to flow.

The material of the wire is crucial as different materials have distinct resistivities. For example, copper has a low resistivity, making it a preferred choice for electrical wiring because it offers less resistance than materials such as steel or aluminum.

Temperature affects resistance as well. For most conductive materials, resistance increases with temperature because the atoms in the material vibrate more, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions with moving electrons.

The other options introduce factors that do not have a direct impact on resistance, such as humidity or voltage. While voltage is related to the current flowing through the wire, it does not influence the wire’s inherent

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