Question:medium

A conducting wire is stretched by applying a deforming force, so that its diameter decreases to 40% of the original value. The percentage change in its resistance will be: 
 

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When a wire is stretched, its length increases and its cross-sectional area decreases, leading to an increase in resistance.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • \(0.9\%\)
  • \(0.12\%\)
  • \(1.6\%\)
  • \(0.5\%\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: {Analyze the impact of stretching}
As the wire's volume is constant, the relationship \( V = A l \) applies, where \(A\) denotes the cross-sectional area and \(l\) represents the length. 
Step 2: {Calculate the updated resistance} 
The resistance formula is: \[ R = \rho \frac{l}{A} \] Given that \(A\) is inversely proportional to \(d^2\) and \(l\) increases proportionally, the change in resistance is described by: \[ \frac{\Delta R}{R} = -4 \frac{\Delta D}{D} \] With \(\Delta D = -0.4\), the calculation is: \[ \frac{\Delta R}{R} = -4(-0.4) = 1.6\% \] Therefore, the resistance experiences a \(1.6\%\) increase. 
 

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