Math Problem Statement
As part of a class project, you need to create a bun- dle of aluminum wiring. Aluminum has a resistivity of ρ = 2.65 × 10−8 Ω · m. The bundle will be L = 15 m long, and will be composed of N individual strands that each have a radius of r = 0.22 mm. In order to be certain that the wiring will not overheat, you need to ensure that the current remains below i = 12 A when it is connected to a V = 3.0 V battery. What is the maximum number of strands N you can use while ensuring that the current re- mains below 12 A? The symbolic answer should be stated in terms of ρ, L, r, i, and V , though not all of these quan- tities may be needed.
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to calculate the maximum number of strands such that the current remains below 12 A when connected to a voltage of .
Step 1: Formula for Resistance
The resistance of a single strand of aluminum wire can be calculated using the formula for resistance in terms of resistivity , length , and cross-sectional area :
For a circular wire, the cross-sectional area is given by:
where is the radius of the wire. Therefore, the resistance of one strand is:
Step 2: Total Resistance of the Bundle
The total resistance of strands in parallel can be calculated using the formula for resistors in parallel. If is the resistance of a single strand, then the total resistance of strands is:
Step 3: Ohm’s Law and Current
By Ohm's Law, the current is related to the voltage and the total resistance by the equation:
Substituting the expression for :
Step 4: Solving for
We are given that the current must be less than or equal to 12 A. Therefore, we can set up the inequality:
Solving for :
Thus, the maximum number of strands is given by:
Step 5: Substituting the Given Values
Now, we substitute the known values:
Substituting these into the equation:
Let me calculate this value for you.The maximum number of strands that can be used while ensuring the current remains below 12 A is approximately 10.46. Since the number of strands must be a whole number, the maximum number of strands you can use is 10.
Would you like more details on any of the steps, or have further questions?
Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:
- How would the result change if the radius of each strand were doubled?
- What happens to the current if the length of the bundle increases?
- How does using a material with higher resistivity affect the maximum number of strands?
- What is the role of parallel wiring in reducing the overall resistance?
- How would the calculation change if the voltage were increased to 6 V?
Tip: In parallel circuits, adding more paths for current to flow (more strands) decreases the overall resistance.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Electricity and Magnetism
Resistivity
Ohm's Law
Parallel Circuits
Formulas
R = ρL / A
A = πr^2
R_total = R / N
i = V / R_total
N_max = (12 * ρ * L) / (π * r^2 * V)
Theorems
Ohm's Law
Resistors in Parallel
Suitable Grade Level
College-level Physics or Advanced High School Physics
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