Math Problem Statement
A heating element is made by maintaining a potential difference of 77.0 V across the length of a Nichrome wire that has a 3.30 × 10-6 m? cross section. Nichrome has a resistivity of 5.00 × 10-7 Q•m. (a) If the element dissipates 7490 W, what is its length? (b) If 114 V is used to obtain the same dissipation rate, what should the length be?
Solution
To solve the problem, we can use the following concepts:
-
Power Dissipated by a Resistor:
The power dissipated by a resistor is given by: where is the potential difference (voltage) and is the resistance. -
Resistance of a Wire:
The resistance of a wire is related to its resistivity , length , and cross-sectional area by:
Part (a): Finding the Length of the Wire for 77.0 V
We are given:
- Power,
- Voltage,
- Cross-sectional area,
- Resistivity of Nichrome,
First, solve for the resistance using the power formula: Rearrange to find :
Next, use the resistance formula to solve for the length : Rearrange to find :
So, the length of the wire is approximately 5.22 meters.
Part (b): Finding the Length of the Wire for 114 V
For the second part, we want the same power dissipation (7490 W), but now with a voltage of 114 V. Using the same power formula:
Now solve for the new length :
So, the length of the wire should be approximately 11.45 meters to achieve the same power dissipation with 114 V.
Summary of Results:
- (a) The length of the wire for 77.0 V is approximately 5.22 m.
- (b) The length of the wire for 114 V is approximately 11.45 m.
Do you have any questions or want more details on any step?
Here are 5 follow-up questions you might find interesting:
- How does the length of the wire affect its resistance?
- What happens to the power dissipation if the cross-sectional area changes?
- How would the dissipation rate change if the material's resistivity were different?
- What would be the length if the power dissipation was reduced to 5000 W at 77.0 V?
- How does temperature affect the resistivity of Nichrome wire?
Tip: Resistance increases linearly with the length of a wire, meaning doubling the length will double the resistance.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Electrical Power
Ohm's Law
Resistivity
Algebra
Formulas
P = V^2 / R
R = ρ(L/A)
Theorems
Ohm's Law
Suitable Grade Level
Grade 11-12 (Physics and Advanced Math)
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