Question

For each of the following problems, write up your solutions using the 4-step problem-solving procedure (get started, plan, execute, evaluate) that is detailed in the problem set rubric. Please include sketches of the problem and words describing the steps, not just the math.

5. Gauge is a term used to describe the size of a wire. The greater the gauge, the smaller the wire diameter. At room temperature, the 4-gauge wire has a diameter of 5.19 mm, and 22-gauge wire has a diameter of 0.64 mm. For copper wire, how long would a wire of each gauge need to be to have a resistance of 1 Ω? After a hurricane, you are trying to power your house at 120 V with a gas generator. You connect the two with a 30-meter extension cord that will provide 20 amps of current to all your household appliances. Why do you need to worry about starting a fire using 22-gauge wire, but not with 4-gauge wire?

Answer 1

The power dissipated in 22 gauge is much more than the power dissipated in 5 gauge wire. Hence it can start fire.