Final answer:
The peak current corresponding to a 15.0 A rms current is found using the formula I_peak = I_rms × √2, resulting in a peak current of approximately 21.2 A. The correct answer is option c) 21.2 A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The circuit breaker in question trips when the rms current is 15.0 A. In alternating current (AC) circuits, the rms (root mean square) current is used to represent an equivalent DC current that would deliver the same power to a resistor.
To find the corresponding peak current, we use the relationship Ipeak = Irms × √2, where Irms is the given rms current. Plugging the rms current value into the equation gives the peak current as 15.0 A × √2, which equals to approximately 21.2 A. Therefore, the corresponding peak current when the rms current is 15.0 A is 21.2 A.The correct option in the final part of the question is c) 21.2 A.