A 500 W heating coil designed to operate from 110 V is made of Nichrome 0.500 mm in diametera. Assuming the resistivity of the nichrome remains constant at is 20.0 degrees C value find the length of wire used. b. Now consider the variation of resistivity with temperature. What power is delivered to the coil of part (a) when it is warmed to 1200 degrees C.?

a) 3.162 m

b) 339.7 W

Explanation:

Assume ρ = 1.50*10^-6 Ωm, and

α = 4.000 10-4(°C)−1 for Nichrome

To solve this, we would use the formula

P = V² / R

So when we rearrange and make R subject of formula, we have

R = V² / P

Resistance of the heating coil, R

R = (110² / 500)

R = 12100 / 500

R = 24.2 ohms

Recall the formula for resistivity of a wire

R = ρ.L/A

Again, in rearranging and making L subject of formula, we have

L = R.A / ρ

To make it uniform, we convert our radius from mm to m.

Diameter, D = 0.5 mm

Radius of wire = 0.5 / 2 mm = 0.25 mm = 0.00025 m

We then use this radius to find our area

A = πr²

A = π * 0.00025²

A = 1.96*10^-7 m²

And finally, we solve for L

L = (24.2 * 1.96*10^-7 / 1.50*10^-6) =

L = 3.162 m

(b)

Temperature coefficient of resistance.

R₁₂₀₀ = R₂₀[1 + α(1200 - 20.0) ]

R₁₂₀₀ = R₂₀[1 + α(1180) ]

R₁₂₀₀ = 24.2[ 1 + 4.*10^-4 * 1180 ]

R₁₂₀₀ = 24.2[1 + 0.472]

R₁₂₀₀ = 24.2 * 1.472

R₁₂₀₀ = 35.62 ohms

Putting this value of R in the first formula from part a, we have

P = V² / R

P = (110² / 35.62)

P = 12100/ 35.62

P = 339.70 watts

area of focus