Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. This relationship is expressed as V = IR. Understanding this law is crucial for calculating the resistance of the copper cable and determining how much energy is dissipated as heat due to the current flowing through it.
Recommended video:
Resistance of a Conductor
The resistance (R) of a conductor is determined by its material, length, and cross-sectional area. For a cylindrical conductor like a copper cable, resistance can be calculated using the formula R = ρ(L/A), where ρ is the resistivity of the material, L is the length, and A is the cross-sectional area. This concept is essential for calculating how much electrical energy is converted to thermal energy in the cable.
Recommended video:
Electric Fields in Conductors
Power Dissipation
Power dissipation in an electrical circuit refers to the rate at which electrical energy is converted into thermal energy, typically due to resistance. It can be calculated using the formula P = I²R, where P is power, I is current, and R is resistance. This concept is key to determining the total energy dissipated as heat over a specific time period, such as one hour, in the given scenario.
Recommended video: