The resistance of a wire is R. If its length is doubled and cross-sectional area halved, the new resistance is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The resistance of a wire is R. If its length is doubled and cross-sectional area halved, the new resistance is:
A. R/4
B. 2R
C. 4R
D. R
Answer: Option C
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Resistance R = ρL/A, where ρ is resistivity (material property). New length L' = 2L, new area A' = A/2. Thus R' = ρ(2L)/(A/2) = ρ·2L·2/A = 4(ρL/A) = 4R. Resistance scales directly with length and inversely with area. Memory tip: 'Double length ⇒ double R; halve area ⇒ double R; combined ⇒ 4×'. This proportional reasoning problem is frequent in electricity sections of competitive exams. Always verify if resistivity changes (it doesn't here, same material).

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