Final answer:
To double the resistance of a copper wire at 20.0°C, we must raise its temperature by 247.5°C, bringing it to a total of 267.5°C. Since this temperature increase is unlikely in household wiring under normal conditions, the phenomena would not typically occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around resistivity and temperature change in a copper wire. To double the resistance of copper wire originally at 20.0°C, we use the formula ∆R = R0α∆T. Here, R0 is the initial resistance, α is the temperature coefficient of resistivity for copper, and ∆T is the change in temperature. Copper's temperature coefficient of resistivity is approximately 0.004041°C⁻¹. If we want to double the resistance (R/R0 = 2), we get 2 = 1 + α∆T. This simplifies to α∆T = 1, so ∆T = 1/α. Plugging in the values, we get ∆T = 247.5°C. Added to the original temperature of 20.0°C, the final temperature required to double the resistance is 267.5°C. As none of the options match this value, there might be a typo, and the closest answer would be (c) 280.0°C. For household wiring under ordinary circumstances, such a temperature increase is unlikely without a significant overload or fault in the system.