Paper Resistor

A simple technique to make a variable resistor from paper and pencil.

Step 1: List of materials required:

All the things required to make this resistor are readily available in homes and
you will not require to spend any money to buy them.
The materials required are as follows:
(1) A thick (rather stiff) sheet of paper.
(2) A HB pencil.(preferably 3B,4B or 6B)
(3) A ruler or scale.
(4) Few metal paper clips.(will be used as the pins of the resistor)
(5) A multimeter or ohm meter to measure the resistance and calibrate your
resistor.
(6) pair of scissors.

Comments

[sonic1234]

what does it do

[radracer]

Impede the flow of electrons through a conductor.

[raju1192]

Actually my question is how to connect with Multimeter?
and it will not get heated?
plz answer me.

[amit13121991]

does anything happen 2 the paper due 2 the heat generated by the resistor.....

[jrt42]

How about a strip of foil on paper?

[LkArio]

The resistance would be very low, much less than a quarter of an ohm

[joinaqd]

hi i really liked your instructable because its so simple...someone once told me to make resistor out of pencil lead but its hard...your idea is so simple and easy...i hav a question..Can i use this to charge my 6 volt battery using a 12 volt charger if i use the resistor?please answer back.

[kishcool2005]

It is a good idea buddy...but when days go on ,the resistance value will decrease gradually due to removal of carbon particles from the paper...any how you have given an alternative for resistor...gr8 job..!

[Abizer]

very cool.i tried the same project yestrdy . it works

[a_d777]

very cool thing... i just tried it... i could not find any paper to 'sketch' it on... i took a small calendar and sketched it on that... what wonderful results i got!!! my variable resistor varies from 90k to 1800k... below is a picture of it!

[lemonie]

What practical range (Ohm) can you get out of this, and how much current will it take?

[science4u]

I got the resistance range from 10k ohm to 2000k ohm and you can calculate the current from V=IR formula (that is ohms law).If you still have any doubt please do ask.<br/>

[mje]

I think what he's asking is really how much power it can handle. I suspect the answer has to be empirically determined.

[lemonie]

Yes, correct on both counts. L

[Kiteman]

You can make a variable resistor directly from the pencil:

Using your Instructables Leatherman (ahem), slit the pencil length-wise. If you're careful, you can split it cleanly along the glue, otherwise you may need to whittle a little wood to expose the "lead" (yes, I know it's graphite) along the full length of the pencil.

Then just clip on wherever you need to.

I like this idea though - I may pinch it to allow my pupils to keep something "real" in their exercise books.

[Brennn10]

Very cool indeed.

[Sgt.Waffles]

I remember doing this before. Its a pretty cool DIY, and could help to teach youngn's about electronic stuff.