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Chapter 6: Problem 53

Why are thick wires used in fuses?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Thick wires are used in fuses because they have a low electrical resistance and high current-carrying capacity. This allows them to carry higher currents without overheating or causing damage. In an overcurrent or short circuit situation, the thick wire in a fuse heats up rapidly, melts, and breaks the circuit, protecting the electrical equipment from damage.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the purpose of a fuse

A fuse is a safety device used in electrical circuits. Its primary function is to protect electrical equipment from damage due to overcurrent or short circuits. When too much current flows through a fuse, the internal wire heats up and eventually melts or 'blows,' breaking the circuit and preventing damage to the equipment.
02

Explain the concept of electrical resistance

Electrical resistance is a property of a conductor that opposes the flow of electric current through it. The resistance of a conductor can be calculated using the formula: R = ρ(L/A), where R is the resistance, ρ is the resistivity of the material, L is the length of the conductor, and A is the cross-sectional area of the conductor.
03

Discuss the relationship between wire thickness and resistance

According to the resistance formula, the resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. That is, the thicker the wire, the lower its resistance. This lower resistance means that a thicker wire generates less heat when current flows through it compared to a thinner wire.
04

Explain the concept of current carrying capacity

The current carrying capacity of a wire is the maximum electric current that a wire can safely carry without overheating or causing damage. The current carrying capacity is directly related to the conductivity of the material and the wire's thickness or cross-sectional area. A thicker wire can carry more current than a thinner one without overheating or causing damage.
05

Understand thick wires & fuses

The use of thick wires in fuses is essential because they have a lower electrical resistance, allowing them to carry higher currents without overheating or causing damage. When a fuse detects an overcurrent or short circuit situation, the thick wire heats up rapidly, melts, and breaks the circuit, preventing damage to the electrical equipment. In summary, thick wires are used in fuses because their low electrical resistance and high current-carrying capacity help protect electrical equipment by quickly interrupting the circuit when an overcurrent situation occurs.

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