Question

Does the resistance of an object depend on the path current takes

through it? Consider, for example, a rectangular bar—is its resistance

the same along its length as across its width?

Short answer

Yes, an object's resistance can be affected by the current path it travels. If the

increase in L is greater than the increase in A, the resistance will rise, and vice

versa.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of resistance

In an electrical circuit, resistance is a measure of the resistance to current

flow. The Greek letter omega (Ω) is used to represent resistance in ohms.

Explaining if the resistance of an object depends on the path of the current

Yes, an object's resistance varies along its length and width. An item with a length L

and a cross-sectional area A has a resistance R of:

$\mathrm{R}=\frac{\mathrm{\rho L}}{\mathrm{A}}$

In the rectangular bar example, the resistance will increase if the increase in L is

greater than the increase in A, and vice versa.