Household currents physics homework

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the total charge in coulombs that passes through an electrical appliance with a current of 1.60A over a duration of 6.50 minutes. The correct conversion of time from minutes to seconds is crucial, as 6.50 minutes equals 390 seconds, not 0.108 seconds. Using the formula ΔQ = I * Δt, the total charge is calculated as ΔQ = 1.60A * 390s, resulting in 624 coulombs. The participant successfully identifies and corrects their initial miscalculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical current and its measurement in amperes (A).
  • Familiarity with the relationship between charge (coulombs), current (amperes), and time (seconds).
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversion, specifically converting minutes to seconds.
  • Proficiency in using fundamental physics equations, particularly I = ΔQ/Δt.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of electric charge and current flow in circuits.
  • Study the unit conversions between different time measurements, especially minutes to seconds.
  • Learn about the applications of the formula ΔQ = I * Δt in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore additional resources on electrical units and their interrelationships, such as the Ampere and Coulomb.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electricity and circuits, as well as educators looking for examples of current and charge calculations.

jimmyboykun
Messages
39
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Typical household currents are on the order of a few amperes.
If a 1.60A current flows through the leads of an electrical appliance, how many coulombs pass through it in 6.50min ?

Homework Equations



I=ΔQ/Δt

The Attempt at a Solution



6.50min=1min/60s= 0.108s

I*Δt=ΔQ
1.60A*0.108s= 0.173C

I figured that delta Q would be in Coulombs but I was wrong. What further step do I need to do?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
jedishrfu said:
amp = colombs/sec

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere

so your mistake is 6.5min = 0.108sec (ie 6 mins = one tenth of a second ? Does that make sense?

6.5 min= (6.5*60) secs = 390 secs

colombs = 1.6 * 390 = ?

Yes I just figured it out! thanks I notice my mistake after looking back at my calculations
 

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
8K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K