Quick Answer: The Investigating Resistivity Apparatus is a 40 cm resistance board with resistance wire, a scale and a jockey, for student investigation of how resistance depends on length and cross-sectional area.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
40 cm resistance wire against a scale, with a jockey
Board fitted with 4 mm terminals
Wire samples of 0.30 mm, 0.44 mm and 0.54 mm diameter
Sockets allow use as a 40 cm bridge or potentiometer
Other materials can be connected between the sockets
Powered by a 1.5 V SP2 (R20) battery or a low voltage power supply
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Board length
40 cm
Wire sample diameters
0.30 mm, 0.44 mm, 0.54 mm
Terminals
4 mm
Power
1.5 V SP2 (R20) battery or low voltage power supply
About This Product
Students use the board to investigate resistance quantitatively, using the jockey along the wire and the three wire samples to relate resistance to length and cross-sectional area. Through its sockets the board also works as a 40 cm bridge or potentiometer, and other materials can be connected between the sockets to investigate their resistance. A Basic Student Meter fitted with an appropriate shunt can be used with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which wire diameters are provided? Wire of 0.30 mm, 0.44 mm and 0.54 mm diameter is provided for the cross-sectional area experiments.
Q2. Can the board be used as a potentiometer? Yes. Sockets are provided so that it can be used as a 40 cm bridge or potentiometer.
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