Question

Find the voltage drop in an extension cord having a 0.0600-Ω resistance and through which 5.00 A is flowing.

a) 0.30 V
b) 30 V
c) 3.00 V
d) 0.15 V
A cheaper cord utilizes thinner wire and has a resistance of 0.300Ω. What is the voltage drop in it when 5.00 A flows?

a) 1.50 V
b) 0.15 V
c) 15.0 V
d) 0.75 V

Answer 1

The voltage drop in the first extension cord is 0.30 V, while in the cheaper cord it is 1.50 V.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to find the voltage drop in an extension cord, you can use Ohm's Law, which states that V (voltage) is equal to I (current) multiplied by R (resistance).

(a) For the first extension cord with a resistance of 0.0600 Ω and a current of 5.00 A flowing through it, the voltage drop can be calculated as V = 5.00 A × 0.0600 Ω = 0.30 V.

(b) For the cheaper cord with a resistance of 0.300 Ω and the same current of 5.00 A, the voltage drop can be calculated as V = 5.00 A × 0.300 Ω = 1.50 V.

(c) The voltage to the appliance is reduced by this amount because the total voltage drop from the wall to the appliance's final output is fixed. The voltage drop across the extension cord decreases the voltage available to the appliance, which can affect its power output and proper functioning.