Understanding Electrical Circuits and Power: Questions 10&11

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving electrical circuit problems related to power calculations using the formulas P=IV, W=VIt, and W=Pt. The user calculated power for various scenarios, including a headlamp drawing 5A and a starter motor potentially requiring 125A. The user expressed confusion regarding the energy consumption of sidelights and the implications for battery capacity. A key insight provided is that starter motors draw high current for short durations, which clarifies the user's concerns about the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (P=IV)
  • Familiarity with electrical power equations (W=VIt, W=Pt)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical components (fuses, headlamps)
  • Concept of energy consumption and battery capacity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the characteristics and calculations for starter motors in automotive applications
  • Learn about fuse ratings and their importance in circuit safety
  • Explore energy consumption calculations for automotive lighting systems
  • Investigate gravitational potential energy (GPE) and its relation to power calculations in vehicles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, automotive technicians, and anyone interested in understanding power calculations in electrical circuits.

C0balt
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Homework Statement


Questions 10&11 in pictures.

Homework Equations


P=IV
W=VIt
W=Pt

The Attempt at a Solution


For 10a) P=IV
P=70*14= 980W.
10b) P=IV
1500=12*I
I=125A (which is massive so probably wrong)
10c)P=IV
60=I*12
I=5A
The 8A fuse because the current flowing through each headlamp should be 5A. Anymore than that could be dangerous.
10d) W=VIt
W=12*1*62
W=744J (which is quite low??)
10e)
W=Pt
It just doesn't give me the right answer as the sidelights appear to use more than the whole battery capacity if left on for 12 hours, which makes me believe I've done the whole of Q10 wrong.
Q11)
Maybe you could work out the work done / GPE then you could use P=W/t to work out how much power the car needs to go up the hill? (Using an hour as t from the 90km/h?)

I would greatly appreciate any help.
 

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C0balt said:

Homework Statement


Questions 10&11 in pictures.

Homework Equations


P=IV
W=VIt
W=Pt

The Attempt at a Solution


For 10a) P=IV
P=70*14= 980W.
10b) P=IV
1500=12*I
I=125A (which is massive so probably wrong)
10c)P=IV
60=I*12
I=5A
The 8A fuse because the current flowing through each headlamp should be 5A. Anymore than that could be dangerous.
10d) W=VIt
W=12*1*62
W=744J (which is quite low??)
10e)
W=Pt
It just doesn't give me the right answer as the sidelights appear to use more than the whole battery capacity if left on for 12 hours, which makes me believe I've done the whole of Q10 wrong.
Q11)
Maybe you could work out the work done / GPE then you could use P=W/t to work out how much power the car needs to go up the hill? (Using an hour as t from the 90km/h?)

I would greatly appreciate any help.

Your answer for 10b) is correct. Starter motors take a large amount of current to turn the engine over. They do so for only a short time, however, lest the battery be drained completely.
 

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