Question

which of the following would decrease the resistance to the flow of an electric current through a body? a) using a conductor with a smaller cross section b) heating the conductor

Explanation:

(Note: Since the original question's options seem incomplete (only A and B are shown, but maybe there are more), but based on the given two options, we analyze them. However, typically, this question has more options. But with the given two, let's analyze:

First, recall the formula for resistance \( R =
ho \frac{L}{A} \), where \(
ho \) is resistivity, \( L \) is length, \( A \) is cross - sectional area. Also, for most conductors, resistivity increases with temperature.

For option A: A smaller cross - sectional area (\( A \)) would increase \( R \) (since \( R \) is inversely proportional to \( A \)), so it's incorrect.

For option B: Heating the conductor increases its resistivity (\(
ho \)) for most conductors, so \( R \) increases, so it's incorrect.

But since the options are incomplete, maybe there are other options like "Using a conductor with a larger cross - section", "Shortening the conductor", "Using a material with lower resistivity" which would decrease resistance. But with the given two options, neither A nor B is correct. But perhaps the original question had more options. Assuming that maybe there was a typo or missing options, but based on the given two, we can only say that neither A nor B is correct. But if we assume that maybe the options were mis - presented, and for example, if there was an option like "Using a conductor with a larger cross - section", that would be correct. )

To determine what decreases electrical resistance, we use the resistance formula \( R=
ho\frac{L}{A} \) ( \(
ho \): resistivity, \( L \): length, \( A \): cross - sectional area) and the relationship between temperature and resistivity (resistivity of most conductors increases with temperature).

• Option A: A smaller cross - section (\( A \)) increases \( R \) (as \( R\propto\frac{1}{A} \)), so it's incorrect.
• Option B: Heating a conductor increases its resistivity (\(

ho \)) for most conductors, thus increasing \( R \), so it's incorrect.

(Note: This question likely has missing options. Correct methods to decrease resistance include using a conductor with a larger cross - section, shortening the conductor, or using a material with lower resistivity.)

Answer:

(With the given options A and B, neither is correct. If there were additional options like "Using a conductor with a larger cross - section", that would be the correct answer.)