The ratio of lengths of two wires is 2 : 3 and the ratio of their resistivities is 3 : 2. If they have the same resistance then the ratio of their respective diameters is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 1 : 1
Given:
Length ratio: $\frac{L_1}{L_2} = \frac{2}{3}$
Resistivity ratio: $\frac{\rho_1}{\rho_2} = \frac{3}{2}$
Same resistance: $R_1 = R_2$
Resistance of a wire: $R = \rho \frac{L}{A} = \rho \frac{4 L}{\pi d^2}$ (since $A = \pi d^2 /4$)
Equating resistances:
$\rho_1 \frac{L_1}{d_1^2} = \rho_2 \frac{L_2}{d_2^2}$
Substitute ratios:
$\frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{d_1^2} = \frac{1}{d_2^2} \Rightarrow \frac{1}{d_1^2} = \frac{1}{d_2^2}$
Wait, calculate carefully:
$\frac{\rho_1 L_1}{d_1^2} = \frac{\rho_2 L_2}{d_2^2}$
Substitute values: $\rho_1 L_1 / \rho_2 L_2 = d_1^2 / d_2^2$
$\frac{3/2 \cdot 2/3}{1} = 1 \Rightarrow \frac{d_1^2}{d_2^2} = 1 \Rightarrow d_1 : d_2 = 1 : 1$
Answer: Ratio of diameters $d_1 : d_2 = 1 : 1$