Explore the Resistance in a Wire
Change a wire's length, thickness and material and watch electrons collide and the resistance change. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
See it in action
The Resistance in a Wire with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Resistance in a Wire?
Change a wire's length, thickness and material and watch electrons collide and the resistance change. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Power cables are thick copper to reduce loss; heater elements are thin nichrome to make heat.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
R = ρ L / A.
A longer wire has more resistance.
A thicker wire has less resistance.
Double the length and read the resistance.
Compare copper and nichrome.
Make the wire as thick as possible.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Compare copper and nichrome. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does a thin wire have higher resistance?
There is less space for electrons to flow, so they collide with atoms more.
What is resistivity?
A property of a material that says how strongly it resists current, measured in ohm-metres.
Is the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) free to use?
Yes. The Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 3 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Resistance in a Wire?
1. In the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A), use the controls to change Material, Length, Thickness (area). The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A), pick an option such as Copper, Aluminium, Iron, Nichrome to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Double the length and read the resistance. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Resistance in a Wire (R = ρL/A) responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: R = ρ L / A.
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Change a wire's length, thickness and material and watch electrons collide and the. Free to use.
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