- #1
RichardEpic
- 16
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Homework Statement
What diameter should the nichrome wire in the figure be in order for the electric field strength to be the same in both wires?
Homework Equations
σ = 1/ρ
J = σ*E...I/A = σ*E...I = σ*E*A
Then, equate the current equations for each wire.
The Attempt at a Solution
nichrome aluminum
σ*A = σ*A
Since, the E-fields are to be the same, they should just cancel out.
ρ(aluminum)= 2.82*10^-8 Ωm
ρ(nichrome)= 1.1*10^-6 Ωm
pi*r^2 = σ(Al)*A/σ(nichrome)
...& after solving for r, I calculated the diameter to be approximately 6.246 mm, however this was apparently wrong, but I have no idea where I went wrong. Help would be greatly appreciated!