Graphing Resistance
Goal: Practice graphing resistance
Name:
[k/ u /8, t/i /32] Total
/40
1. Use another sheet of paper to make the calculations necessary to complete
the table below. Record your answers in the appropriate space. [t/i 5]
Potential Difference V
Current I (A)
1.0
3.4
3.0
10.5
6.0
20.5
8.0
27.5
11.0
38.0
Average Resistance
Resistance R (Ω)
2. Plot a graph of potential difference (y-axis) versus current (x-axis) on the
grid below. Remember to label the axes and title the graph. [t/i 5]
3. Calculate the slope of the line in Question 2. Remember to include units in
your answer. [t/i 2]
slope = rise
run
slope = y2 – y1
x2 – x1
4. Compare the slope in question 3 to the average resistance in question 1.
[k/u 2]
5. The table below contains a set of data for a Nichrome wire resistor. On
another piece of paper, calculate the resistance for the information in each
row. Write your answers in the appropriate space. [t/i 13]
Potential Difference V
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
Current I (A)
0.0075
0.014
0.020
0.027
0.033
0.040
0.047
0.053
0.059
0.066
0.068
0.070
0.071
Resistance R (Ω)
6. Use the grid below to plot a graph of the data from question 5. Put potential
difference on the y-axis and the current on the x-axis. Remember to label the
axes and title the graph. [t/i 5]
7. Is Nichrome wire an ohmic resistor? Explain how you know. [k/u 2]
8. Over which range of voltage does Nichrome wire follow Ohm’s law? Explain.
[k/u 2]
9. Calculate the slope of the line over the range you have determined in
question 8. [t/i 2]
10. Compare the slope in question 9 to the values for resistance you calculated in
question 5. Explain the significance. [k/u 2]