Chapter 22, Problem 73A

To determine

The reason for the rapid rise in the temperature of the copper wire if it is connected directly to both the terminals of the battery.

Answer to Problem 73A

Due to the high thermal loss in the copper wire, there is a rapid rise in the temperature of wire when directly connected to the battery.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The energy $\left(E\right)$ supplied/delivered during time $t$ is given by,

  $E=\frac{V^{2}t}{R}$

Where, V is the potential difference and R is the resistance.

It is known that the resistance of a copper wire is very less. Thus, when it is connected to a fixed voltage supplier, there is high thermal loss in it due to which its temperature increases rapidly.

Conclusion:

Hence, due to less resistance and thereby due to high thermal loss in the copper wire, its temperature increases rapidly when connected directly to the battery.