Circuits - Power and Resistivity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the length of a Nichrome wire heating coil with a power rating of 530 W and a voltage of 110 V. The resistivity of Nichrome is given as 1.1E-6 ohm-meter. The calculations reveal that the resistance is approximately 22.83 ohms, leading to an estimated wire length of about 4.07 meters. However, discrepancies arise when comparing results using different resistivity values, indicating potential errors in the initial assumptions or calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (P=VI, V=IR)
  • Familiarity with resistivity and its application in electrical calculations
  • Knowledge of geometric calculations for cross-sectional area (A=πr²)
  • Basic principles of electrical power and resistance in circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of resistivity values for Nichrome wire
  • Learn about the impact of wire diameter on resistance and power calculations
  • Explore the relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits
  • Investigate common mistakes in circuit analysis and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in circuit design or analysis will benefit from this discussion.

NemaxameN
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Homework Statement


A 530 W heating coil designed to operate from 110 V is made of Nichrome wire 0.500 mm in diameter.
(a) Assuming that the resistivity of the Nichrome remains constant at its 20.0°C value, find the length of wire used.
(b) If the diameter of the wire were doubled, how long would the wire be if it had the same resistance?

My chart says rhoNichrome=1.1E-6

Homework Equations


P=VI
V=IR
rho=R(A/l)
A=pi*r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


0.5/2=0.25 (radius)
pi*(0.25)^2=0.196mm^2 = A

V=IR => I=V/R
P=V(V/R) => 530=110^2/R
R=22.83 ohms

1.1E-6=22.83(0.196E-6/l)
l=~4.07m

But this answer is wrong. If someone could help me find my mistake in part A, I can work part B. Thanks!
 
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Looks okay to me. Wikipedia has rhoNichrome= 1.5 E-6 ohm-meter
 
That gave me 2.98m and 11.95m. Both were still wrong. Hmmm. It's possible my teacher made a miscalculation, she does that fairly frequently. Thank you though!
 

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