Question

A 100 cm length of nichrome wire has a radius of 0.50 mm, a resistivity LaTeX: \rho_0ρ 0= 1.0 × 10-6 Ω ∙ m , and a temperature coefficient LaTeX: \alphaα = 0.4 × 10-3 (oC)-1. At T0 = 20 oC the wire carries current of 0.50 A. How much power does the wire dissipate at a temperature T = 350 oC? Assume the potential difference across the ends of the wire remains constant. Group of answer choices

Answer 1

P₃₅₀ = 0.28 watt

Step-by-step explanation:

First we find the resistance of the wire at 20°C:

R₀ = ρL/A

where,

ρ = resistivity = 1 x 10⁻⁶ Ωm

L = Length of wire = 100 cm = 1 m

A = cross-sectional area of wire = πr² = π(0.5 x 10⁻³ m)² = 0.785 x 10⁻⁶ m²

Therefore,

R₀ = (1 x 10⁻⁶ Ωm)(1 m)/(0.785 x 10⁻⁶ m²)

R₀ = 1.27 Ω

Now, from Ohm's Law:

V = I₀R₀

where,

V = Potential Difference = ?

I₀ = Current Passing at 20°C = 0.5 A

Therefore,

V = (0.5 A)(1.27 Ω)

V = 0.64 volts

Now, we need to find the resistance at 350°C:

R₃₅₀ = R₀(1 + αΔT)

where,

R₃₅₀ = Resistance at 350°C = ?

α = temperature coefficient of resistance = 0.4 x 10⁻³ °C⁻¹

ΔT = Difference in Temperature = 350°C - 20°C = 330°C

Therefore,

R₃₅₀ = (1.27 Ω)[1 + (0.4 x 10⁻³ °C⁻¹)(330°C)]

R₃₅₀ = 1.44 Ω

Now, for power at 350°C:

P₃₅₀ = VI₃₅₀

where,

P₃₅₀ = Power dissipation at 350°C = ?

V = constant potential difference = 0.64 volts

I₃₅₀ = Current at 350°C = V/R₃₅₀ (From Ohm's Law)

Therefore,

P₃₅₀ = V²/R₃₅₉

P₃₅₀ = (0.64 volts)²/(1.44 Ω)

P₃₅₀ = 0.28 watt