Math Problem Statement
Residential building codes typically require the use of 12-gauge copper wire (diameter 0.2053 cm) for wiring receptacles. Such circuits carry currents as large as 20 A. If a wire of smaller diameter (with a higher gauge number) carried that much current, the wire could rise to a high temperature and cause a fire.
(a) Calculate the rate at which internal energy is produced in 2.10 m of 12-gauge copper wire carrying a current of 20.0 A. W (b) Repeat the calculation for an aluminum wire. WWould a 12-gauge aluminum wire be as safe as a copper wire?
Solution
Part (a) - Copper Wire
To calculate the rate at which internal energy is produced in a 12-gauge copper wire, we use the formula for power dissipation due to resistance:
Where:
- is the power dissipation (rate of internal energy production) in watts (W),
- is the current in amperes (A),
- is the resistance of the wire in ohms (Ω).
The resistance of the wire can be calculated using the formula:
Where:
- is the resistivity of the material (copper),
- is the length of the wire (2.10 m),
- is the cross-sectional area of the wire.
Step 1: Cross-sectional Area
The wire's diameter is given as 0.2053 cm, which we convert to meters:
The cross-sectional area of a circular wire is:
Step 2: Resistance
The resistivity of copper is . Now we can calculate the resistance:
Step 3: Power Dissipation
Now using the current , we calculate the power:
So, the rate at which internal energy is produced in the copper wire is approximately 4.28 W.
Part (b) - Aluminum Wire
For aluminum, the calculation is similar, but the resistivity of aluminum is different. The resistivity of aluminum is .
Step 1: Resistance
Using the same cross-sectional area and length :
Step 2: Power Dissipation
Now using the current :
So, the rate at which internal energy is produced in the aluminum wire is approximately 7.16 W.
Would a 12-gauge aluminum wire be as safe as a copper wire?
No, a 12-gauge aluminum wire would not be as safe as a copper wire. As we can see from the calculations, the power dissipation (and therefore the heat produced) in the aluminum wire is much higher than in the copper wire (7.16 W vs. 4.28 W). This increased heat could lead to a higher risk of fire or damage in the aluminum wire under the same current load.
Would you like further details on any of these calculations?
Related Questions:
- What are the advantages of using copper over aluminum for wiring?
- How does the resistivity of a material affect its suitability for electrical wiring?
- What safety measures can be implemented when using aluminum wires in residential buildings?
- What happens to the resistance of wires as their temperature increases?
- How does wire length affect the rate of energy loss in electrical circuits?
Tip:
Always ensure the wire gauge and material are appropriate for the current to minimize the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Electricity
Power Dissipation
Resistance
Ohm's Law
Formulas
P = I^2 R
R = ρ(L / A)
A = π(d / 2)^2
Theorems
Ohm's Law
Power Dissipation in Electrical Circuits
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12 (High School Physics)
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