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The 200-A current through a spark plug moves 0.300 mC of charge. How long does the spark last?

a) 0.0015 s
b) 0.0030 s
c) 0.015 s
d) 0.030 s

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

To find the duration of the spark, you divide the charge (0.000300 C after converting from mC) by the current (200 A), yielding a time of 1.5 × 10^-6 s, which is 1.5 microseconds. This time is not listed in the options, indicating a potential error in the question's values.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine how long the spark lasts in a spark plug when a 200-A current moves 0.300 mC of charge, we use the relationship between charge (Q), current (I), and time (t), given by the equation:

Q = I × t

Where:

  • Q is the charge in coulombs (C)
  • I is the current in amperes (A)
  • t is the time in seconds (s)

First, convert 0.300 mC to coulombs:

0.300 mC = 0.300 × 10-3 C = 0.000300 C

Then, rearrange the equation to solve for t:

t = Q / I

Substitute the known values into the equation:

t = 0.000300 C / 200 A

t = 0.0000015 s or 1.5 × 10-6 s

Therefore, the correct answer is:

t = 1.5 × 10-6 s, which is equivalent to 1.5 microseconds.

This duration is too short compared to the options provided in the question, which suggests there may be a misunderstanding or typo. Please double-check the question's values and units.

User Roalz
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