What is the fraction of the total power wasted in the leads?

In summary, the fraction of total power wasted in the leads is determined by the resistance of the leads and the total current flowing through them.
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Eight lights are connected to in parallel to a 110V power source by two leads of total resistance 1.5 ohm. If 240 mA flows through each lamp, what is the fraction of the total power wasted in the leads?


You got a 6 Volt battery, and have to design a voltage divider using 1 ohm resistors to achive an voltage of 4 volts. I get the answer to be three with trial and error, but there must be a proper approach to the question?

A 2.8 kiloohm and a 2.1 kiloohm resistor are connected parallel, this combination is connected in series with a 1.8 kiloohm resistor. if each resistor is rated at 0.5 W, what is the maximum voltage that can be passed across the network?

I get the combined resistance to 3 kiloohms. But then using R = V^2 / P i don't get the correct voltage. Why?
 
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  • #2
Eight lights are connected to in parallel to a 110V power source by two leads of total resistance 1.5 ohm. If 240 mA flows through each lamp, what is the fraction of the total power wasted in the leads?
What did you find for this part?

You got a 6 Volt battery, and have to design a voltage divider using 1 ohm resistors to achive an voltage of 4 volts. I get the answer to be three with trial and error, but there must be a proper approach to the question?
For an analytical approach, check here http://www.aikenamps.com/VoltageDividerRule.htm . There is still a certain amount of trial in choosing R1 & R2, until you find integral values (divisible by one) for each.

A 2.8 kiloohm and a 2.1 kiloohm resistor are connected parallel, this combination is connected in series with a 1.8 kiloohm resistor. if each resistor is rated at 0.5 W, what is the maximum voltage that can be passed across the network?

I get the combined resistance to 3 kiloohms. But then using R = V^2 / P i don't get the correct voltage. Why?
You are given the power rating for each resistor is 1/2 Watt
Hint: that indirectly tells you how much current is allowed through each resistor. But remember that the first two resistors are in parallel so the current splits between them, according to Kirchoff's Rule. And the third resistor (1.8K) will carry the sum of the currents going through the parallel combination. Of the total voltage applied, some of the voltage will drop across the parallel combination and the rest will drop across the third resistor. With this information, you should be able to calculate the maximum voltage that can be passed by the network.
 
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  • #3
The total power delivered by the power supply to the circuit is just the total current times the supply voltage. The leads act like a series resistor that needs to conduct all the current going through the lamps (it's like replacing the leads with a single series resistor and leads with no resistance). Using it's resistance and the total current will give the power dissipated in the leads.
 

Related to What is the fraction of the total power wasted in the leads?

1. What is meant by "fraction of the total power wasted in the leads"?

The fraction of the total power wasted in the leads refers to the portion of energy that is lost or dissipated as heat in the electrical leads of a circuit. This can occur due to resistance in the leads, which causes a drop in voltage and a corresponding loss of power.

2. How is the fraction of power wasted in the leads calculated?

The fraction of power wasted in the leads can be calculated by dividing the power dissipated in the leads by the total power supplied to the circuit. This can be expressed as a decimal or percentage.

3. Why is it important to consider the fraction of power wasted in the leads?

It is important to consider the fraction of power wasted in the leads because it indicates the efficiency of the circuit. A higher fraction of power wasted in the leads means that less energy is being used for the intended purpose, which can lead to increased costs and reduced performance.

4. How can the fraction of power wasted in the leads be reduced?

The fraction of power wasted in the leads can be reduced by using thicker wires with lower resistance, minimizing the length of the leads, and ensuring proper connections. Additionally, using materials with higher conductivity, such as copper, can also help reduce power wastage in the leads.

5. Are there any limitations to calculating the fraction of power wasted in the leads?

One limitation to calculating the fraction of power wasted in the leads is that it only takes into account the power dissipated in the leads. Other factors such as parasitic capacitance and inductance in the circuit may also contribute to power loss. Additionally, the accuracy of the calculation depends on the accuracy of the measurements and assumptions made about the circuit.

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