Minimum resistance to prevent overheating in AC circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating resistance in an AC circuit to prevent overheating, specifically addressing the use of RMS current versus peak current in the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate resistance using a formula but questions the use of peak current instead of RMS current as indicated in the answer key. Other participants discuss the potential for errors in textbooks and suggest verifying with instructors or errata.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of using different current values in calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the possibility of errors in the answer key and the importance of consulting instructors for clarification.

Contextual Notes

The problem is based on a teacher-provided question rather than a textbook problem, which may influence the expectations and interpretations of the calculations involved.

songoku
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Homework Statement
An alternating current supply is connected in series with a resistor R. The variation with time t (measured in seconds) of the current I (measured in amps) in the resistor is given by the expression I = 9.9 sin(380t). To prevent over-heating, the mean power dissipated in resistor R must not exceed 400 W. Calculate the minimum resistance of R
Relevant Equations
mean power = ##I_{rms}^2 \times R##
My calculation: ##400=\left(\frac{9.9}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2 R## and I got R = 8.2 ohm

But the answer key used Io (9.9 A) instead of Irms

Why?

Thanks
 
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You are correct(8.2Ω). It's a mistake in the 'answer key' - it sometimes happens.
 
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It would only be speculation on my part as to "why" they did not use RMS current. Books make mistakes sometimes. Did you ask your instructor about it? Does the book publisher have a website for errata?
 
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scottdave said:
It would only be speculation on my part as to "why" they did not use RMS current. Books make mistakes sometimes. Did you ask your instructor about it? Does the book publisher have a website for errata?
I haven't asked him, I just did the practice myself. The question is not from book, it is given by the teacher and on the last page there is working and answer to help the students.

Thank you very much for the help Steve4Physics and scottdave
 
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