Answer:
r₁/r₂ = 1/2 = 0.5
Explanation:
The resistance of a wire is given by the following formula:
R = ρL/A
where,
R = Resistance of wire
ρ = resistivity of the material of wire
L = Length of wire
A = Cross-sectional area of wire = πr²
r = radius of wire
Therefore,
R = ρL/πr²
FOR WIRE A:
R₁ = ρ₁L₁/πr₁² -------- equation 1
FOR WIRE B:
R₂ = ρ₂L₂/πr₂² -------- equation 2
It is given that resistance of wire A is four times greater than the resistance of wire B.
R₁ = 4 R₂
using values from equation 1 and equation 2:
ρ₁L₁/πr₁² = 4ρ₂L₂/πr₂²
since, the material and length of both wires are same.
ρ₁ = ρ₂ = ρ
L₁ = L₂ = L
Therefore,
ρL/πr₁² = 4ρL/πr₂²
1/r₁² = 4/r₂²
r₁²/r₂² = 1/4
taking square root on both sides:
r₁/r₂ = 1/2 = 0.5
