Why does a bulb get warmer than the wires that connect it to a battery...
Bulb contains a filament which is made up of tungsten. Tungsten has high resistivity, greater than that of the copper which makes up the wires. Hence the bulb gets warmer as compared to the wire.
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Why does a bulb get warmer than the wires that connect it to a battery...
Introduction:
A bulb is an electrical device that converts electrical energy into light energy. When a bulb is connected to a battery, it undergoes a process known as electrical resistance, which causes it to heat up. The wires that connect the bulb to the battery also experience some level of resistance, but they don't heat up as much as the bulb. This difference in temperature can be explained by understanding the factors that contribute to the heating of the bulb.
Resistance:
When an electric current flows through a wire or any other conductor, resistance occurs. Resistance is the property of a material that hinders the flow of electrons. In the case of a bulb, the filament inside it acts as a resistor, converting electrical energy into heat and light. The resistance of the filament causes it to heat up.
Material and Length:
The material and length of the wire play a significant role in determining the resistance. The wires that connect the bulb to the battery are usually made of copper or aluminum, which are good conductors of electricity. These metals have low resistance, which means they do not hinder the flow of electrons as much as other materials. Additionally, the wires are generally shorter in length compared to the filament inside the bulb, which further reduces their resistance.
Power Dissipation:
The power dissipated, or the amount of heat produced, in a component can be calculated using the equation P = I^2 * R, where P is the power, I is the current, and R is the resistance. As the resistance of the bulb's filament is higher compared to the wires, more power is dissipated in the bulb, leading to a higher temperature.
Surface Area:
Another factor that influences the temperature difference between the bulb and the wires is the surface area. The filament inside the bulb is coiled and compact, resulting in a smaller surface area compared to the wires. A smaller surface area means that there is less area available for the heat to dissipate, causing the bulb to heat up more.
Conclusion:
In summary, a bulb gets warmer than the wires that connect it to a battery due to several factors. The resistance of the filament, the material and length of the wires, power dissipation, and the difference in surface area all contribute to the temperature difference. The filament's higher resistance, combined with its compact shape and limited surface area, results in more power dissipation and a higher temperature compared to the wires.
Why does a bulb get warmer than the wires that connect it to a battery...
Bulb contains of a filament which is made up of tungsten. Tungsten has high resistivity greater than that of copper which makes up the wires
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