Energy Dissipation Across a Resistor

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a battery connected to a uniform resistor with a sliding contact that alters the resistance based on its position. Participants are tasked with finding the rate of energy dissipation across the resistor as a function of the contact position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between resistance and the position of the sliding contact, questioning how to express resistance in terms of the contact position. There is an exploration of relevant equations and their applicability to the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants offering hints about the relationship between resistance and length, while others express uncertainty about how to proceed. There is a focus on establishing a linear relationship between resistance and position.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of determining the correct expressions and relationships without clear guidance on the initial steps. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the relevance of the equations provided.

boredbluejay
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A battery is connected across a uniform resistor R0. A sliding contact can move across R0 from x=0 to x=10cm at the right. Moving the contact changes how much resistance R is to the left of the contact and how much is to the right. Find the rate at which energy is dissipated in R as a function of x.


Homework Equations


Energy dissipated: PR=i2R
Voltage is the same for resistors in parallel
1/Rtotal=1/R+1/R0
itotal=V/Rtotal


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to express R in terms of x and R0, but I got stuck. I honestly have no idea how to begin, or even if all of the equations that I wrote above are relevant to this question. Could someone please give me a hint that'll point me in the right direction? Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi boredbluejay! :smile:

isn't resistance proportional to length? :wink:
 
I guess, but by what factor. >< I'm sorry, I'm really bad at this.
 
You have two points on the x,R plane: (0,0) and (10,R0). With this, determine the linear relationship R = mx + b.
 

Similar threads

Energy dissipated in a resistor
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Power Dissipated in a Sliding Resistor
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
What Is the EMF of a Cell with Given Energy Dissipation and Current?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Joule heating effect - qualitative explanation
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Energy dissipated by resistor problem
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
What Power Is Dissipated by the R2 Resistor?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
How Is Energy Dissipated in a Capacitor and Resistor Circuit?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Rank Resistors by Energy Dissipation: 5Ω > 10Ω > 20Ω > 90Ω
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electrical Energy Dissipation Across Resistors
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
13K
How Does Adding a Resistor Affect Power Dissipation in a Parallel Circuit?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K