Physics Current Electricity DUHS 2023
PMDC Verified Question 47 of 112
A soft cylindrical electrical conducting wire has resistance R. It is stretched so that its length is doubled, but its radius stays constant. What would be the new resistance?
A
R/2
B
R
C
4R
D
2R
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: 2R
Concept:

Resistance is proportionally linked to length and cross-sectional area. Usually stretching implies volume remains constant (decreasing area), but the prompt places a strict hypothetical constraint.

Formula:

$$ R = \rho \frac{L}{A} $$

Solution:

  • The prompt explicitly states "but its radius stays constant". This means Area (\( A = \pi r^2 \)) does not change.


  • If Area is constant, Resistance is directly and linearly proportional to Length (\( R \propto L \)).


  • Since Length is doubled (\( L' = 2L \)), the resistance simply doubles.


  • New resistance = 2R.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Opt C: 4R would be correct ONLY IF the wire's volume was conserved (meaning the area naturally shrank by half as it stretched). The prompt's constraint explicitly overrides this.

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