Application of heating effects of current

Electric heater and water heater

When these appliances are in connection with the supply of electricity they become hot but wires remain cold. They consist nichrome which has high resistivity and hence high resistance. Heat produced is directly proportional to the resistance of material through which the current flows.

Electric bulb

The filament of an electric bulb consists of tungsten with a high melting point. A filament is enclosed in a glass envelope which is filled with nitrogen and argon gas. Since the resistance of thin filament is very high, amount of heat production is large same as the electric current that flows through the filament. Due to a large amount of heat production, the filament bulb becomes white hot. Hence filament of bulb emits light and heat.

Electric fuse

Wires consisting of some materials melt quickly and break when large electric current passes through them. These wires are used for making electric fuses. All electrical circuits in all buildings consist of electrical fuses. There is a maximum limit on the current which can safely flow through a circuit. If by accident the current exceeds this limit, the wires may overheat and cause a fire. If a proper fuse is there in the circuit, it will blow off and break the circuit.

A fuse is thus a safety device which prevents damages to electrical circuits and possible fires.When large electric current flow through a circuit and hence through fuse wire, a large amount of heat production occurs. Due to this large heat production, the fuse wire melts and the circuit breaks so that the current stops flowing through the circuit.This saves the electric circuit from burning. Electric fuses have ratings as 1A,2A,3A,5A,10A.

Electric iron

The element of the electric iron constitutes alloys having a high melting point. Electric heater and geyser work on the same mechanism.

Application of Heating Effects of Current

The heating effect of electric current refers to the phenomenon where electrical energy is converted into heat energy when current flows through a conductor. This effect has numerous practical applications in various fields. Let's explore some of the key applications of the heating effects of current.

1. Electric Heating Appliances:
- Electric heating appliances such as electric heaters, electric stoves, and electric ovens utilize the heating effect of current to generate heat.
- Resistive elements made of materials with high resistivity, like nichrome, are used in these appliances to convert electrical energy into heat.
- The heat generated is used for various purposes, including space heating, cooking, and baking.

2. Incandescent Bulbs:
- Incandescent bulbs, commonly used for lighting purposes, also rely on the heating effect of current.
- These bulbs consist of a tungsten filament that heats up when current flows through it.
- As the filament reaches high temperatures, it emits visible light due to incandescence.
- However, incandescent bulbs are gradually being replaced by more energy-efficient alternatives like LED lights.

3. Electric Irons:
- Electric irons use the heating effect of current to remove wrinkles from clothes.
- The heating element in an electric iron is typically made of an alloy wire, which heats up when current passes through it.
- The heat generated is then transferred to the iron's soleplate, which is pressed against the fabric, effectively removing wrinkles.

4. Electric Kettles:
- Electric kettles employ the heating effect of current to quickly heat water for various purposes, such as making tea or coffee.
- The heating element inside the kettle, usually made of nichrome wire, heats up when current flows through it.
- The heat generated rapidly raises the temperature of the water, allowing it to reach boiling point in a short amount of time.

5. Fuse Elements:
- Fuses are safety devices that protect electrical circuits from excessive current flow.
- They contain a fuse element made of a material with a low melting point, such as tin or copper.
- When an excessive current passes through the fuse, its element heats up due to the heating effect of current.
- Eventually, the element melts and breaks the circuit, preventing any further damage or hazards.

6. Electric Welding:
- Electric welding relies on the heating effect of current to join two metal pieces together.
- An electric arc is created between the workpiece and the welding electrode, generating intense heat.
- The heat melts the metal, allowing it to fuse and form a strong joint.

7. Soldering:
- In soldering, the heating effect of current is utilized to melt solder and join electrical components.
- A soldering iron, equipped with a resistive element, heats up when current passes through it.
- This heat is then used to melt the solder, which adheres to the components and creates electrical connections.

Conclusion:
The heating effect of current finds practical applications in various domains, ranging from household appliances like electric heaters and irons to industrial processes like welding and soldering. Understanding and harnessing this effect has greatly contributed to the development of numerous technological advancements.