In a conductor, what happens to resistance as the length increases?

Prepare for the LMS Substation 3-2 Test with our interactive quiz. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get exam ready with confidence!

In a conductor, resistance is directly proportional to the length of the conductor. This fundamental principle of electrical resistance is outlined by the formula (R = \rho \frac{L}{A}), where (R) represents resistance, (\rho) is the resistivity of the material (a constant for a specific material), (L) is the length of the conductor, and (A) is the cross-sectional area.

As the length increases, the value of (L) becomes larger, which in turn leads to an increase in resistance, provided the material and the cross-sectional area remain constant. This relationship highlights that longer conductors impede the flow of electric current more than shorter conductors because the electrons have to travel further through the material, encountering more collisions with atoms and other imperfections along the way. This resulting increase in collisions leads to greater resistance.

Thus, the assertion that resistance increases as the length of the conductor increases is rooted in these established principles of electrical conduction.

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