OVERSEAS FAMILY SCHOOL

PHYSICS IA
TEMPERATURE AND RESISTANCE OF NICHROME WIRE
EXPERIMENT

ShiXiao
Physics SL

Abstract
The topic of this report deals with the electrical resistance of a nichrome wire at different
temperatures. The hypothesis is that increasing the temperature of the nichrome wire causes
the resistivity of nichrome to increase, and thereby increasing the resistance of the nichrome
wire. The results of the experiment conclusively support the hypothesis, while also bringing to
attention the temperature coefficient of resistance of nichrome is low as the increasing of
temperature of the nichrome wire from 30.0 °C to 80.0 °C had not exhibited significant
increases in the resistance of the nichrome wire.

Introduction
My family business is located in the city of Shenyang, Northeastern China. Shenyang Dinghui
Industrial Lighting Technology Private Limited[1] was established in 2009, and deals primarily
with lighting solutions for industrial and public domains.

Being the only son, I had witnessed during my formative years how hard my parents had
struggled and worked to build a once fledgling company into a well-established company it is
today. My parents have demonstrated to me on countless occasions their virtue of silent
perseverance coupled with a hard working attitude. They have left me without a doubt that I am
fully responsible for the legacy that they will one day leave to me. This has driven me to acquire
a better understanding of the physics principles behind electricity.

There is inefficiency in the conversion of electrical energy into light energy because a significant
amount of the electrical energy has inevitably been converted to heat energy. This heat
produced is considered wasteful since it does not provide lumination. Even the highly regarded
LED is unable to fully convert all the electrical energy into light energy, and hence requires a
heat sink in order to work optimally.

To make matters worse, the heat energy produced heats up and raises the temperature of the
lighting fixtures, including the connecting wires. The higher temperature increases the
resistance of the lighting fixture, and makes it harder for the current to flow through it. Higher
resistance of the lighting fixture in turn causes higher inefficient conversion of the electrical
energy into light energy. It is a vicious cycle!

A good understanding of how temperature affects the resistance of a conductor, be it a wire or a

lamp, must be taken into account when designing a lighting system. Such an understanding can
influence important design considerations which include, but are not limited to, the brightness of
the lighting system, the number of lamps a system can support with or without an elaborate
cooling solution, and the choice of the type of lamps used in a given setting, et cetera.

Research Question
How does the temperature affect the resistance of a conductor? In order to better manage an
experiment in a laboratory under controlled conditions, I had decided to use a piece of nichrome
wire as the test subject rather than a lamp, since it is difficult to place a lamp in a controlled
environment where the lit lamp also contributes to the rise in temperature. By connecting a
length of nichrome wire to a circuit and immersing the wire in a water bath at different
temperatures, I can measure the currents flowing through the wire at various potential
differences across the wire. Hence my research question is :

How does temperature affect the resistance of nichrome wire?

Theory and Hypothesis

A metal is composed of positively-charged ions in a giant lattice structure that is surrounded by
delocalised valence electrons[2]. Valence electrons are electrons that are found in the outermost
electronic orbits of metal atoms[3].

An electric current is a flow of negatively-charged electrons governed by an electric field. When

a metal is connected to a circuit with an electrical power source, the electromotive force of the
power source causes the delocalised electrons to accelerate and gain energy. Incoming
electrons from the power source in the form of a current displace the delocalised electrons in
the metal and push them out of the metal. The displaced electrons continue to the electrical
power source under the influence of the electric field. The process is repeated as more
electrons in the current flow into the metal to displace the electrons that have previously
displaced the original delocalised electrons in the metal.

When the wire is heated, the delocalised electrons in the metal lattice of the wire inevitably gain
kinetic energy (since temperature is governed by the amount of kinetic energy a body
possesses). As a result, they collide with the metal ions in the lattice structure as well as with
other mobile electrons. In every collision, the mobile electrons lose part of their energy, which is
ultimately absorbed by the metal ions. As the metal ions gain energy that is lost by the mobile
electrons, the more the metal ions vibrate and jostle in the lattice structure. This as we now
know will result in an increase in resistance as the flow of electrons is impeded. The heightened
vibrations of the metal ions in the lattice structure cause even more collisions and further
obstruct the flow of electrons through the lattice structure. Hence, the electrical resistance
increases.

The choice of a suitable electrical conductor is important. It must have sufficient electrical
resistance to be measurable with changes in temperature; it must also be easily available at
industrial standards. Nichrome wire fits the bill. Nichrome is highly resistive even with a small
current, which heats up readily. That makes it an ideal material to use in resistance heating
wires.

In order to study the effects of temperature on a resistor, I have decided that the high resistivity
of the nichrome wire provides a wide range of resistances that are measurable and perceivable
at different temperatures.

The Ohm’s Law is used to calculate the resistance of the nichrome wire if the current through
the nichrome wire and the potential difference across it are known.

……….Equation I

where V is the potential difference across the wire in volts,

I is the current flowing through the wire in ampere,
and R is the resistance of the wire in ohms.

Rearranging Equation I and the resistance can be calculated.

……….Equation II
When there is a temperature change, the specific resistances of conductive materials change as
well. The factor of change of resistance per increase of 1 degree Celsius is known as the
temperature coefficients of resistance, and is represented by the Greek symbol, α. The
industrial reference of the temperature coefficients of resistance is usually specified at 20 °C or
25 °C.

The published values of temperature coefficients of resistance at Ness Engineering’s Technical

Data page[5] shows that pure metals have positive values for their temperature coefficients as
their resistances increase with temperature. Alloys, however, generally have much lower
coefficients. Nichrome is an alloy that has a coefficient value of 0.00017 per degree Celsius. The
component metals of nichrome, namely nickel and chromium have coefficient values of 0.006
and 0.003 per degree Celsius respectively. The coefficients of nickel and chromium are 17.6
times and 35.3 times larger than that of nichrome respectively. This suggests that alloying can
significantly lower the temperature coefficient of resistance of metals.

The formula to calculate the resistance of a conductor at a given temperature is as follow :

……….Equation III

where

Substitute Equation II into Equation III, and rearrange.

Given that the reference temperature is 20 °C,

……….Equation IV

The graph of the resistance of the nichrome wire against the difference in the temperature
above 20 °C should look as below.
The significance of the graph:
1. The y-intercept of the graph will be the resistance of the nichrome wire at 20 °C.
2. The gradient of the graph is the product of the temperature coefficient of resistance
of nichrome and the resistance of the nichrome wire at 20 °C.
3. By calculating the quotient between the gradient of the graph and the resistance
of the nichrome wire at 20 °C, the temperature coefficient of resistance of
nichrome can be calculated and compared to the published figure.

This is my hypothesis : Increasing the temperature of a nichrome wire causes the

resistivity of nichrome to increase, and thereby increasing the resistance of the nichrome
wire.

Variables
Independent Variable : Temperature of the nichrome wire

● Temperature of the water bath is measured in degrees Celsius ( °C ).

● It will be measured by inserting the probe of a handheld digital thermometer into the
water of the water bath.
● A wire stirrer is used to constantly stir the water of the water bath to keep the
temperature of the water uniform throughout when readings from the ammeter and the
voltmeter are taken.
● This experiment covers six temperature settings : 30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C. 70 °C
and 80 °C.

Dependent Variable : Resistance of the nichrome wire

 ● The current flowing through the wire will be measured in amperes ( A ), and will be
measured using a digital ammeter.
● The potential difference across the wire will be measured in volts ( V ), and will be
measured using an analogue voltmeter.
● The resistance of the wire will be calculated in ohms ( Ω.) The resistance of the wire
will be the quotient of the potential difference across the wire and the current flowing
through it.

Control Variables
Same nichrome wire to be used. This ensures
● The same wire material.
● The same length of wire used.
● The same diameter of the wire, and hence the
cross sectional area of wire remains unchanged.

Same instruments to be used. To enhance repeatability.

Same power source. To enhance repeatability.

Diagram
Apparatus
● A length of nichrome wire, mounted on a piece of wood
● A variable electrical power source
● A digital ammeter
● An analogue voltmeter
● A digital thermometer with probe
● Connecting wires
● A beaker with water and a wire stirrer
● An electric hot plate for heating the water bath

Method
1. Set up the electrical circuit connecting the nichrome wire, the power supply, the
voltmeter, and the ammeter.
 2. Heat the water in the beaker on the electrical hot plate. Use the digital thermometer to
monitor as the temperature of the water bath increases. Once the desired temperature is
reached, the beaker is quickly removed from the hot plate.
3. Immerse the nichrome wire in the water bath, and turn on the electrical power supply.
Take readings from the voltmeter and ammeter on six separate occasions while
constantly stirring the water in the water bath.
4. Perform steps 1 and 2 for the following temperatures for the water bath : 30 °C, 40 °C,
50 °C, 60 °C. 70 °C and 80 °C.

Safety Concerns :
● Handle the heated water bath and the heated nichrome wire with care as they can
cause scalding.
● The water bath is a glass beaker. Care is to be taken to prevent breakage, which can
cause puncture wounds.
● Due to the presence of water, care should be taken to ensure that the electrical power
supply is not to be touched with wet hands to avoid electrocution.

Environmental Concerns :
There are no significant environmental issues involved in this investigation.

Ethical Concerns :
There are no significant ethical issues involved in this investigation.

Raw Data
Temperature 30.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.06 0.27
2 5.06 0.27
3 5.05 0.27
4 5.06 0.27
5 5.06 0.27
 6 5.05 0.26

Temperature 40.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.06 0.27
2 5.06 0.27
3 5.06 0.27
4 5.06 0.27
5 5.06 0.27
6 5.06 0.26

Temperature 50.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.06 0.27
2 5.06 0.27
3 5.07 0.27
4 5.06 0.26
5 5.06 0.27
6 5.06 0.27

Temperature 60.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.07 0.27
2 5.07 0.26
3 5.06 0.27
4 5.07 0.27
5 5.05 0.26
6 5.06 0.27

Temperature 70.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.07 0.27
2 5.07 0.26
3 5.07 0.27
4 5.06 0.27
5 5.06 0.26
 6 5.07 0.27

Temperature 80.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A
1 5.07 0.27
2 5.06 0.26
3 5.06 0.27
4 5.05 0.26
5 5.07 0.26
6 5.06 0.27

Reading error for thermometer ± 0.05 °C

Reading error for digital voltmeter ± 0.005 V
Reading error for digital ammeter ± 0.005 A

Processed Data

Temperature : 30.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.06 0.27 18.74
2 5.06 0.27 18.74
3 5.05 0.27 18.70
4 5.06 0.27 18.74
5 5.06 0.27 18.74
6 5.05 0.26 19.42
Average 18.85

Temperature : 40.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.06 0.27 18.74
2 5.06 0.27 18.74
3 5.06 0.27 18.74
4 5.06 0.27 18.74
5 5.06 0.27 18.74
6 5.06 0.26 19.46
Average 18.86
 Temperature : 50.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.06 0.27 18.74
2 5.06 0.27 18.74
3 5.07 0.27 18.78
4 5.06 0.26 19.46
5 5.06 0.27 18.74
6 5.06 0.27 18.74
Average 18.87

Temperature : 60.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.07 0.27 18.78
2 5.07 0.26 19.50
3 5.06 0.27 18.74
4 5.07 0.27 18.78
5 5.05 0.26 19.42
6 5.06 0.27 18.74
Average 18.99

Temperature : 70.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.07 0.27 18.78
2 5.07 0.26 19.50
3 5.07 0.27 18.78
4 5.06 0.27 18.74
5 5.06 0.26 19.46
6 5.07 0.27 18.78
Average 19.01

Temperature : 80.0 °C
Trial Voltage / V Current / A Resistance / Ω
1 5.07 0.27 18.78
2 5.06 0.26 19.46
 3 5.06 0.27 18.74
4 5.05 0.26 19.42
5 5.07 0.26 19.50
6 5.06 0.27 18.74
Average 19.11

Temperature / °C Resistance / Ω

30 18.85
40 18.86
50 18.87
60 18.99
70 19.01
80 19.11

Graph
Analysis
The results and graph shows that an increase in temperature led to an increase in the
resistance of the nichrome wire that was under investigation. My hypothesis appears to be
vindicated.

To increase the validity of the results obtained, six readings were taken at each temperature
setting. The resistance of the wire was calculated for the six readings, and the average obtained
was used for the graph of Resistance against Temperature.

The temperature coefficient of resistance of the nichrome wire was determined experimentally to
be XXXXXX. This value is XX% from published values.

There were a number of difficulties encountered in this experiment. As the temperature of the
water bath increases, it becomes harder to maintain a constant temperature for the higher
temperature. I tried to stir the water bath to ensure that the temperature of the water was
uniform.

Conclusion
The experiment had conclusively proven that higher temperature resulted in higher resistance in
the nichrome wire.

References
[1] www.Indinghui.com
Retrieved on 11 November 2021
[2] More, Hemant. “Concept of metallic bonds and metallic solids” @thefactfactor.com.
Retrieved 11 November 2021.
[3] “Metals and alloys” @bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides.
Retrieved 11 November 2021.
[4] Tony R. Kuphaldt.
Copyright © 2000-2020
Lessons in Electric Circuits, 5th Edition
Chapter 12 - Physics of Conductors and Insulators
Design Science License

[5] “Temperature Coefficient of Resistance” @electronics-notes.com

https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/basic_concepts/resistance/resistance-resistivity-temp
erature-coefficient.php

http://www.nessengr.com/techdata/metalresis.html