How Do You Calculate Voltage Drop Over Distance?

Then use Ohm's Law again to answer the second question about the voltage applied to the apparatus.In summary, to run an apparatus that is 75m from an electric outlet with wires that have a resistance per unit length of 0.0055 ohms/m, and drawing 2.5 Amps, the voltage drop across the connecting wires would be 0.4125 volts and the voltage applied to the apparatus would be 99.5875 volts.
  • #1
bigborat
3
0

Homework Statement


Suppose you want to run some apparatus that is 75m from an electric outlet. Each of the wires connecting your apparatus to the 100V source has a resistance per unit length of 0.0055 ohms/m. If your apparatus draws 2.5 Amps, what will be the voltage drop across the connecting wires and what voltage will be applied to your apparatus?


Homework Equations


V=IR



The Attempt at a Solution



100=R x 2.5
So R= 40 Ohms

But don't know where to go from here!
 
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  • #2
V=IR
100=R x 2.5
Careful with that formula! It must be applied consistently to one component. The 100 Volts appears across the combination of the wire and the apparatus. (You can treat the combination as one component "in a black box" and use 100 = R*2.5 to find the combined resistance of the wire and the apparatus. But that doesn't do you much good.)

Better to begin by figuring out the resistance of the wire from the other information given (resistance per m of length). Then apply the formula to the wire only and find the voltage across the wire only, answering the first question.
 

What is voltage drop?

Voltage drop is the decrease in electrical potential that occurs when current flows through a circuit. It is caused by the resistance of the materials used in the circuit, and can lead to a decrease in the amount of voltage available to power devices.

Why is voltage drop important to calculate?

Voltage drop is important to calculate because it can affect the performance and efficiency of a circuit. If the voltage drop is too high, it can lead to devices not receiving enough power, which can cause malfunctions or failures. Additionally, excessive voltage drop can lead to overheating and potential safety hazards.

How is voltage drop calculated?

Voltage drop is calculated using Ohm's Law, which states that voltage drop (V) is equal to the current (I) multiplied by the resistance (R) of the circuit. The formula for calculating voltage drop is V = I x R.

What factors affect voltage drop?

The main factors that affect voltage drop are the length and cross-sectional area of the wire used in the circuit, as well as the material and temperature of the wire. Other factors that may affect voltage drop include the type and number of devices connected in the circuit, and the overall design and layout of the circuit.

Why is it important to use the correct wire size in voltage drop calculations?

The wire size used in a circuit affects the amount of resistance and therefore the amount of voltage drop. Using the correct wire size ensures that the voltage drop is within an acceptable range and that devices in the circuit receive enough power. It also helps prevent overheating and potential safety hazards.

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