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  • Why do electric wires get heated when current passes through them?

Why do electric wires get heated when current passes through them?

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Joule heating (also known as resistive heating) heats electric wires as current runs through them. This occurs because the wire creates some resistance to the passage of electrons. As electrons pass across the wire, they clash with atoms in the material, releasing energy in the form of heat. Factors affecting the heating of the wire are as follows:

  1. Wire Resistance (R): A higher resistance results in more collisions and heat.
  2. Amount of Current (I): Higher current results in increased heat production.
  3. Time of Flow: A longer duration produces more heat.
  4. Material of the Wire: Conductors such as copper and aluminum have low resistance and create less heat than iron.
  5. Thickness of wire: Thicker wires offer lower resistance, resulting in reduced heat generation.
Posted by

Saniya Khatri

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