Voltage drop across a wire

In summary, voltage drop across a wire is the decrease in electrical potential energy caused by the wire's resistance. It occurs due to the conversion of electrical energy into heat and can affect a circuit's performance by reducing available voltage. Voltage drop can be calculated using Ohm's Law and can be reduced by using thicker wires or minimizing the length of the wire.
  • #1
zyphriss2
18
0
Compute the voltage drop along a 25 m length of household no. 14 copper wire (used in 15A circuits). The wire has diameter 1.628 mm and carries a 15 A current.


Vdrop=I*R

R=rho(L/A)




I just plugged the resistivity of copper wire which is 1.72*10^-8, length, and area into find the resistance. Which is .206 and then I found the voltage drop of 3.09v which was wrong what did i do wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Perhaps you should show your calculation?
 
  • #3


There are a few possible issues with your calculations. First, make sure you are using the correct units for resistivity, which is typically given in ohm-meters (Ω·m). Also, double check your calculation for the resistance of the wire. It should be approximately 0.207 ohms, not 0.206. Additionally, make sure you are using the correct units for length and diameter, as these can affect the final result. Lastly, check to see if your calculation for voltage drop is using the correct units, which should be volts (V). If you are still getting an incorrect result, try using a different formula or double check your inputs to ensure they are accurate.
 

1. What is voltage drop across a wire?

Voltage drop across a wire refers to the decrease in electrical potential energy as electricity flows through a wire. This decrease in voltage is caused by the resistance of the wire and can be measured in volts.

2. Why does voltage drop occur in a wire?

Voltage drop occurs in a wire due to the wire's resistance, which is a measure of how much the wire impedes the flow of electricity. As electricity flows through the wire, some of its energy is converted into heat due to this resistance, resulting in a decrease in voltage.

3. How does voltage drop affect the performance of a circuit?

Voltage drop can affect the performance of a circuit by reducing the amount of voltage available for the components in the circuit. This can lead to a decrease in the performance of the circuit, such as dimmer lights or slower motors.

4. How can voltage drop be calculated?

Voltage drop can be calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that voltage drop is equal to the product of current and resistance. By knowing the current flowing through the wire and the resistance of the wire, the voltage drop can be determined.

5. How can voltage drop be reduced?

Voltage drop can be reduced by using wires with a lower resistance, which can be achieved by using thicker wires or wires made of materials with lower resistivity. Additionally, minimizing the length of the wire can also help reduce voltage drop.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
995
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
648
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
898
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
908
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top