Final answer:
The maximum current that a 2 W, 80 ohm resistor can safely conduct is found using the power formula P = I^2 * R. Solving for I gives us I = sqrt(P / R), and substituting the given values, we get 0.25 A as the maximum current.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the maximum current that a 2 W, 80 ohm resistor can safely conduct, we can use the power formula related to electric current and resistance:
P = I2 * R
where P is power in watts (W), I is current in amperes (A), and R is resistance in ohms (Ω).
Rearranging the formula to solve for current, we can express I as:
I = √(P / R)
Substitute the given values into the equation:
I = √(2 W / 80 Ω)
I = √(0.025 A2)
I = 0.158 A
The closest higher standard current value from the given options that is below the calculated maximum current is:
0.25 A
Therefore, the maximum current that can be safely conducted through the resistor is 0.25 A (Option A).