Which two factors primarily determine the resistance of a wire segment?

The two factors that primarily determine the resistance of a wire segment are diameter and length. The resistance of a wire is influenced by its physical dimensions; specifically, a longer wire will have a greater resistance than a shorter wire because the electrons have more material to travel through. Likewise, a wire with a larger diameter has a lower resistance compared to a thinner wire, as a thicker conductor allows more electrons to flow simultaneously.

Length and diameter are critical parameters in determining resistance because they directly affect how easily current can flow through the material. For instance, doubling the length of the wire approximately doubles its resistance, while doubling the diameter decreases resistance significantly because the increased cross-sectional area permits more pathways for current. Understanding these relationships is fundamental in electrical engineering and circuitry, as it allows for more precise calculations regarding the flow of electricity in various applications.