Question

A silver wire has a resistance of 2.1 Ω at 27.5°C, and a resistance of 2.7 Ω at 100°C. Determine the temperature coefficient of resistivity of silver.

Answer 1

Temperature, T₁ = 27.5°C

Resistance of the silver wire at T₁, R₁ = 2.1 Ω

Temperature, T₂ = 100°C

Resistance of the silver wire at T₂, R₂ = 2.7 Ω

Temperature coefficient of silver = α

It is related with temperature and resistance as

α = `("R"_2 - "R"_1)/("R"_2("T"_2 - "T"_1))`

= `(2.7 - 2.1)/(2.1(100 - 27.5))`

= 0.0039°C⁻¹

Therefore, the temperature coefficient of silver is 0.0039°C⁻¹.