ECE323 Basic Electronic Circuits Assignment 1

1. In class our student assistant measured a resistance of about 1.4 W across a graphite stick. We used calipers to measure the cross-section of the stick (6.8 mm by 6.7 mm) and the distance between the crocodile clips (54.16 mm). Based on these measurements, calculate the bulk resistivity of the graphic stick.

2. Suppose we have a layer of carbon 4 mm wide and 35 mm long, with a measured resistance of 1600 W. Assume a resistivity for carbon of 3.5e-5 W-m and calculate the thickness of the layer.

3. Given a resistor of 120 W connected to a 12 V battery, find the power absorbed by the resistor. What are the consequences if the resistor is rated at one-quarter watt?

Maintained by John Loomis, last updated 26 August 2007