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A spool of aluminum wire 320 m long and with a diameter of 0.320 mm is at 20.0∘C. For aluminum, the resistivity is 2.82×10⁻⁸Ω⋅m and the temperature coefficient of resistivity is 3.90×10⁻³(∘C). (a) What is the magnitude of the electric field (in V/m ) in the wire if it carries a current of 0.450 A ?

User Draco
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the magnitude of the electric field in the aluminum wire carrying a current of 0.450 A, we can use Ohm's Law and calculate the resistance using the resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area of the wire. Once we have the resistance, we can find the voltage and use it to determine the electric field.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the magnitude of the electric field (E) in the wire, you can use Ohm's Law, which is given by the equation:

V=I⋅R

where:

V is the voltage (electric potential),

I is the current,

R is the resistance.

The resistance (R) of the wire can be calculated using the formula:

R=ρ⋅ L/A

where:

ρ is the resistivity of the material (given as 2.82×10−8 Ω⋅m for aluminum),

L is the length of the wire,

A is the cross-sectional area of the wire.

The cross-sectional area (A) of the wire can be found using the formula for the area of a circle:

A=π⋅r2

where:

r is the radius of the wire, and r= d/2 .

The temperature coefficient of resistivity (α) is given as 3.90×10−3 °C −1, and the change in resistance (ΔR) due to a change in temperature (ΔT) is given by:

ΔR=R0 ⋅α⋅ΔT

where:

R0 is the initial resistance,

α is the temperature coefficient of resistivity,

ΔT is the change in temperature.

Now, let's go step by step:

Calculate the initial resistance (R0):

R0 = ρ⋅ L/A0

Calculate the change in resistance (ΔR) due to the change in temperature:

ΔR=R0⋅α⋅ΔT

Find the new resistance (R) at the given temperature:

R=R0+ΔR

Use Ohm's Law to find the voltage (V):

V=I⋅R

Calculate the electric field (E):

E= V/L

Let's proceed with the calculations. For simplicity, let's assume that the change in temperature (ΔT) is zero (initial temperature is given as 20.0 ∘C), so the change in resistance (ΔR) is zero. If the temperature is different, you'll need to incorporate the temperature change in the calculations.

User Sgrgmngt
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