What is the energy dissipation through the wire?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy dissipation through a copper wire connected to a battery, specifically addressing the current, resistance, and power dissipation in the wire. The scope includes homework-related calculations and the application of electrical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The initial calculations for resistance (R), current (i), and power (P) were presented, with values that the poster found questionable due to their high magnitude.
  • One participant pointed out that the resistance value was too low by two orders of magnitude and suggested recomputing the area (A).
  • Another participant attempted to recalculate the area using the formula A = πr² but reported the same result, leading to confusion regarding the diameter conversion.
  • There was a clarification regarding the conversion of millimeters to meters, with one participant expressing surprise at the conversion of 3 mm to 3 x 10^-3 m.
  • Another participant confirmed the correct interpretation of the prefix 'milli' as 10^-3, acknowledging a mistake in their earlier comment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equations used for the calculations, but there is disagreement regarding the correctness of the computed values, particularly the resistance and area. The discussion remains unresolved as participants continue to clarify and challenge each other's calculations.

Contextual Notes

The calculations depend on the correct interpretation of units and the application of formulas, which are currently under scrutiny. There are unresolved issues regarding the accuracy of the area calculation and its impact on subsequent results.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in electrical engineering, physics, or anyone working on similar homework problems involving electrical circuits and energy dissipation.

november1992
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Homework Statement


A 3 m long copper wire that has a diameter of 6 mm is connected to a 9 V battery.

a) What is the current through the wire?
b) If wire a was connected to a battery for 1 second, how much energy would the wire dissipate?

Homework Equations


A = \pir^{2}
R = \rho\frac{L}{A}
i = \frac{V}{R}
\rho = 1.72 x 10^{-8}
P = i * V
W = P * t

The Attempt at a Solution



I got:
R = 1.82mΩ
i = 4945 A
p = 44505.45

I'm unsure of my answers. The values seem to be too high.
 
Last edited:
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Your equations are all correct. Your R is too low by 2 orders of magnitude! Recompute A!
 
Well, I tried to recalculate A and I got the same answer. I even used an online calculator and I got the same answer

A = \pir^{2}
A = \pi (3 \times 10^{-3}) ^{2}
A = \pi (9 \times 10^{-6})
A = 2.83 \times 10^{-5}
 
3mm = 3 x 10-3 m?

That's news to me! :smile:
 
I thought the prefix milli had a magnitude of 10^{-3}?
 
november1992 said:
I thought the prefix milli had a magnitude of 10^{-3}?

Er, oops, senior moment on my part. Of course that's right. And so is your original answer. Pardon my goof. :redface:
 

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