I'm doing a science project on resistance and I need several different types of wire. I know to use copper wire, but what else could I ask for at a hardware store?
Aluminum is the most common wire material besides copper. You can ask the hardware store if they have thermocouple wire, it is a pair of dissimilar metals coupled to vary resistance based on temperature and is hooked to you thermostat in your house.If you really want to get exotic you could get ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) this is used by the power industry for power transmission and distribution. This is an aluminum conductor with a steel wire braided into it.
Gold, Silver, and Aluminum are common wiring types that are used in various applications, although you could also use tin or lead - you'll get lots of resistance. Not sure what you'll find at the hardware store, though - they generally stick to wiring that actually works. :) Also, if you can cheaply find superconducting wire and liquid nitrogen, you can show off zero-resistance wiring. :)
