Question

which of the following would decrease the resistance to the flow of an electric current through a body?
a) shortening the conductor
b) heating the conductor
c) lengthening the conductor
d) using a conductor with a smaller cross section

Explanation:

The resistance of a conductor is defined by the formula $R =
ho\frac{L}{A}$, where $
ho$ is resistivity, $L$ is length, and $A$ is cross-sectional area. For most conductors, resistivity increases with temperature.

• Shortening the conductor ($L$ decreases) reduces $R$.
• Heating increases $

ho$, raising $R$.

• Lengthening increases $L$, raising $R$.
• A smaller cross-section ($A$ decreases) raises $R$.

Answer:

A) Shortening the conductor