Browse by Stream
QnA
Home
QnA
Go To Your Study Dashboard
Home > HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

HEATING EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT - (Concept)

When an electric current is passed through a high resistance wire, like a nichrome wire, the resistance wire becomes very hot and produces heat. This is called the heating effect of current.

The heating effect of the current is obtained by the transformation of electrical energy into heat energy. 

The heating effect of electric current is widely used in our day to day life.

 For example, an electric fan becomes warm if used continuously for a long time, etc.

This effect is utilized in devices such as an electric heater, electric iron, etc

Applications of the Heating Effect of Current-

  1.  The heating effect of current is utilized in the working of electrical heating appliances such as electric iron, electric kettle, electric toasters, electric oven, room heaters, water heaters (geysers), etc.

Electric Iron:

Mica is an insulator that is placed between the metal part and the coil in an iron. The coil becomes heated with the passage of current which is then transferred to the metallic part through mica. Finally, the metal part becomes heated which is then used for ironing clothes.

Electric Heater:

In an electric heater, high-resistance nichrome wire is used as a coil. The coil is wound on grooves made up of ceramic material or china clay. When the current flows in the coil, it becomes heated, which is then used to heat cooking vessels.

  1. The heating effect of electric current is utilized in electric bulbs (electric lamps) for producing light.

Electric Bulb:

The electric bulb contains a thick metallic wire made up of tungsten metal. The metal is kept in an inert environment with a neutral gas or vacuum. When current flows through the tungsten wire, it becomes heated and emits light. Most of the electric power drawn in the circuit from the electrical source is dissipated in the form of heat and the rest is emitted in the form of light energy.

  1. The heating effect of electric current is utilized in electric fuse for protecting household wiring and electrical appliances. 

Electric Fuse:

In any electrical instrument, due to the sudden rise of current, the instrument gets burnt down which sometimes results in a fire. A conducting wire with a low melting point is connected in series with the circuit to avoid this type of accident. When the current rises, the wire melts due to excessive heating, thus breaking the electrical circuit.

 

Exam Chapter
JEE FOUNDATION Electricity
Concepts List
« Previous Concept List Next »
Exams
Articles
Questions