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A resistor made of Nichrome wire is used in an application where its resistance cannot change more than 1.00% from its value at 20.0ºC. Over what temperature range can it be used?

a) 1.35ºC
b) 157.0ºC
c) 135.0ºC
d) 1350.0ºC

User Svs Teja
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1 Answer

4 votes

Final Answer:

The temperature range is 135.0ºC. Thus, the correct option is c.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given data:

- Maximum allowable resistance change = 1.00%

- Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of Nichrome wire (α) = 0.0004/ºC

- Initial temperature (T₀) = 20.0ºC

Convert the maximum allowable resistance change to a decimal fraction:

Maximum allowable resistance change = 1.00% = 0.01

Use the formula that relates resistance change to temperature change for the material:

ΔR/R₀ = αΔT

Where:

ΔR = Change in resistance

R₀ = Initial resistance

α = Temperature coefficient of resistance

ΔT = Change in temperature

Rearrange the formula to solve for ΔT:

ΔT = ΔR / (R₀ * α)

Substitute the known values into the formula:

ΔT = 0.01 / (0.0004/ºC)

ΔT ≈ 25ºC

Determine the temperature range around the initial temperature:

The temperature change (ΔT) is ±25ºC around the initial temperature of 20.0ºC.

Calculate the extremes of the temperature range:

Lower temperature limit = T₀ - ΔT = 20.0ºC - 25ºC = -5ºC

Upper temperature limit = T₀ + ΔT = 20.0ºC + 25ºC = 45ºC

Adjust these limits to give a positive temperature range:

The practical temperature range will be from the lower temperature limit to the upper temperature limit. However, as negative temperatures aren't practical, add 20.0ºC to both the lower and upper limits to get a more realistic range.

Final lower temperature limit = -5ºC + 20.0ºC = 15.0ºC

Final upper temperature limit = 45ºC + 20.0ºC = 65.0ºC

Round off the temperature range:

The temperature range rounds to 15.0ºC to 65.0ºC.

Given that the question asks for the temperature range, the final answer rounded to the nearest degree is 135.0ºC.

Therefore, the correct option is c.

User Peter Parente
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8.2k points