Calculating the heat in the circuit when adding resistances

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the calculation of heat in a circuit with resistances, specifically focusing on a copper conductor and an additional resistance connected in parallel. The original poster seeks to determine how the value of the additional resistance (Rx) should relate to the existing resistance to maximize heat release.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between resistances in parallel and the conditions for maximizing heat release. Questions arise regarding the necessity of certain parameters, such as the resistivity of copper and the role of time in the calculations. There is also discussion about whether to express the final answer as an inequality.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of specific formulas, and there is recognition of the need to express the relationship between resistances in a way that reflects the conditions for greater heat release.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of specific values for current and power, which influences the choice of formulas to use in their calculations. There is also uncertainty about the implications of the derived relationships and whether they lead to the correct identification of Rx.

satycorn
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Hi everyone! I've got to problems I need your help with, I would really appreciate it if you could help me.

1. Homework Statement

A conductor made out of copper (Cu) has a resistance of 4Ω in 20° celsius. When current flows in the conductor, it's temperature rises to 220°C. In parallel with the resistance, we connect a Rx resistance. How should the value of the Rx resistance be, compared to the original resistance, so that a greater heat can be released in the Rx? For Copper: α=0.0039, ρo=1.7x10-8

Homework Equations


Q=I2Rt; Q=(U2/R)t




The Attempt at a Solution



So since the resistances are connected in parallel, I tried using the first one but I don't have the time, do I have to build the solution in form of a ratio?? And also, why do we need the ρo of Copper if the R=Ro(1+αΔt) formula is used, in my opinion? Can anyone please help me with this?

Thank you :)!
 
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You don't need the time - just treat it as a rate (Q/t). Quite possibly you don't need ρo, but if so it will just cancel later. Please post your attempt.
 
Ughh, thanks for your reply, although I think I'm stuck again...

I separated R from the Q=I2Rt, which gives R=Q/(I2xt).
I treat the two resistances as a rate (Rx/R), which is Rx=Q1/(I2xt) and R=Q/(I2xt) but here's where I'm stuck, the problem doesn't ask for a specific heat, it just says: "So that the heat that would be released in Rx can be greater"... What do I do here? Do I just continue solving the rate, going to another rate of R=Ro(1+αΔt)? Wouldn't that give the same in both parts of the refraction??
 
The answer will be in the form of an inequality. Rather than using <, >, and running the risk of getting them reversed somewhere, probably simplest to calculate the resistance that would make them equal, then figure out how to write the inequality.
 
haruspex said:
The answer will be in the form of an inequality. Rather than using <, >, and running the risk of getting them reversed somewhere, probably simplest to calculate the resistance that would make them equal, then figure out how to write the inequality.

Should I calculate the resistance from R=Ro(1+αΔt) or R=Q/(I2xt)?

Either way the symbols just cancel themselves and I am stuck with unknown ones again...
Q/(I2xt)=Q'/(I2xt). The current and time are constant, right? So they cancel themselves and I end up with Q=Q'... Same thing goes for the other formula...

So if I do it in form of an equation from the formula of heat: Q=I2xRxt, it will be:
Q'>Q -> I2xR'xt>I2xRxt, the I and t cancel themselves, so R'>R, I'm left with that, is that really it, to get a higher heat I need a higher resistance, so Rx has to be higher? It just sounds too easy :S..
 
satycorn said:
Should I calculate the resistance from R=Ro(1+αΔt) or R=Q/(I2xt)?
You don't know the current or the power, so R=Ro(1+αΔt) is the only option (for the hot copper resistor).
 
Okay, I understand. Is this okay?

Ro'(1+αΔt)>Ro(1+αΔt)
Ro'x1,78>4x1,78
Ro'>4

I don't know how accurate I am, but the problem is asking me for the Rx resistance, which I haven't found, right?...
 

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