Calculate number of turns for an electric heater

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To calculate the number of turns needed for a nichrome wire heater with a resistance of 40 Ω, the area of the wire is determined to be 0.785 mm² using its diameter. The resistance formula R = ρ*l/S is applied, where ρ is the specific resistance of nichrome, estimated at 1.1 Ω⋅mm²/m. The calculation indicates that to achieve the desired resistance, approximately 200 turns of wire are required. However, confusion arises regarding the length of wire needed for these turns, with calculations suggesting a total length of 3140 cm, which seems inconsistent. Clarification on the specific resistance value and algebraic simplification shows that the correct approach leads to the expected 200 turns.
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Homework Statement


Need to calculate, how many turns of nichrome wire do I need on a cylinder to make a heater with resistance of 40 Ω.
Wire diameter = 1mm
Cylinder radius = 2.5cm
R = 40 Ω
Wire diameter = 1mm
Correct answer - 200 turns

Homework Equations


R = ρ*l/S
R = resistance
ρ = specific resistance (I guess) and it is 1.1 Ω⋅mm2/m
l = length of wire
S = area of wire "cross section"

The Attempt at a Solution


Area of wire = Π*r2 = 3.14 * 0.52 = 0.785mm2
So I used this formula, but get nowhere close to 200 turns. 40 = 1,1l/0,785...
 
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MisterP said:
40 = 1,1l/0,785...
Solving that will give you a length. What is it in turns?
 
haruspex said:
Solving that will give you a length. What is it in turns?
Yes, I know, but it does not add up to near "200" or 0,2 or something like that..
To calculate turns I did this: 3.14 * 5cm (2*r) = 15.7cm is for one turn.
So, 200 turns would be 3140cm.. where did I go wrong?

If I continue with "40 = 1,1l/0,785..." I get 28.57.. let`s just change it to 2857cm.. too short for answer..
 
Last edited:
MisterP said:
Yes, I know, but it does not add up to near "200" or 0,2 or something like that..
To calculate turns I did this: 3.14 * 5cm (2*r) = 15.7cm is for one turn.
So, 200 turns would be 3140cm.. where did I go wrong?

If I continue with "40 = 1,1l/0,785..." I get 28.57.. let`s just change it to 2857cm.. too short for answer..
The difference is about 10%, right?
Note that if you solve it algebraically first the πs cancel and you end up with 200/1.1. So to get 200, you have to take ρ as 1mm2/m.
Looking it up, I see it quoted as 1.1 to 1.5.
 
Last edited:
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