A physics student investigates a small cylindrical resistor at room temperature. The student gradually increases the potential difference across the resistor and records the corresponding steady-state current.
Potential difference (V): 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5
Current (mA): 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0
Assume the uncertainty in each potential-difference reading is ±0.02 V and the uncertainty in each current measurement is ±0.1 mA.
(a) Describe the graphical relationship you would expect if the resistor’s behavior remains consistent over the entire measurement range. State what physical quantity can be extracted from the slope of that graph.
(b) Using the tabulated data, determine whether the resistor can be classified as ohmic over the range tested. Clearly explain how the data support your conclusion.
(c) If the resistor were non-ohmic, sketch qualitatively (no numerical scales required) how the I-versus-V graph might differ from the linear trend found in part (a), and explain the physical significance of the difference.