Physics
Physics
Problem
In a laboratory demonstration, a constant current is maintained in a nichrome heating wire. • The current is measured to be 0.75 A. • The current is allowed to flow for exactly 45 s. (a) Calculate the total charge that moves through a cross-section of the wire during the 45 s interval. Express your answer in coulombs with an appropriate number of significant figures. (b) Estimate the total number of electrons that pass the cross-section in the same time, stating clearly any physical constants you use in your calculation. (c) A student claims that doubling the current while keeping the time interval fixed would double the number of electrons that pass the cross-section. Evaluate this claim and justify your reasoning quantitatively.Intuitive explanation
The key here is understanding charge flow and current as a rate. Current tells you how much charge passes through a point per second, so multiplying current by time gives you the total charge that flowed. This is a straightforward application of the definition , rearranged to find the quantity you're after—just keep your units consistent and you'll have the answer.
Intuitive explanation
The key here is understanding charge flow and current as a rate. Current tells you how much charge passes through a point per second, so multiplying current by time gives you the total charge that flowed. This is a straightforward application of the definition , rearranged to find the quantity you're after—just keep your units consistent and you'll have the answer.