Experiment to measure the resistivity of a Nichrome wire

Draw a diagram of this experiment

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Step 1

Find the resistance of the length of a Nichrome wire using an ohmmeter

Step 2

Ensuring the wire is straight, measure the length of the wire between the insides of the crocodile clips

Step 3

Connect the two leads from the ohmmeter together and get the resistance of the copper wire. Subtract this from the total resistance to get the resistance of the Nichrome.

Step 4

Measure the diameter of the wire in 6 places using a micrometer screw gauge and calculate the average diameter

Step 5

Take the zero error of the micrometer into account if necessary

Step 6

Calculate the resistivity from ρ= Rπd²/ 4l

Explain the gear mechanism and ratchet mechanism of the micrometer

Gear mechanism can squish the wire. When tight enough, the ratchet mechanism clicks, signifying that it’s tight enough