Electrical Resistance Heat Investigation
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Electrical Resistance Heat Investigation
Investigation briefing
A class investigated how resistance affects heating using teacher-approved, low-voltage circuits. They compared two test wires of the same length and thickness but made from different materials. The current was kept the same in both tests, and measurements showed that Wire A had greater resistance than Wire B. Each wire was connected for 20 seconds in the same circuit conditions. The circuit was switched off before anyone touched or moved the wire. Their temperature readings are shown below.
Test wire
Starting temperature
Temperature after 20 s
Wire A: steel
20 °C
34 °C
Wire B: copper
20 °C
22 °C
Read the circuit clues
In a closed circuit, electric current transfers energy from the battery through the components. Resistance is how much a material opposes the flow of current. As particles in a resistive material interact with moving electrons, some electrical energy is transferred to thermal energy, warming the material. The amount of heating also depends on factors such as the current and how long it flows.
- At the same current, Wire A's greater resistance meant more electrical energy was transferred to heat.
- The thick copper wire created energy from nothing.
- The battery warmed Wire A without current flowing.
- Steel and copper always reach the same temperature.
- Battery
- Current
- Resistance
- Test wire
- A conductor that can warm as energy is transferred
- Provides energy to the circuit
- Flow of electric charge
- Opposition to the flow of current
3 printable pages
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
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