Question

We repeat the experiment from the video, but this time we connect the wires in parallel rather than in series. Which wire will now dissipate the most heat?
Both wires will dissipate the same amount of heat.
A. The Nichrome wire (resistance 2.7)
B. The copper wire (resistance 0.1)

Answer 1

Answer: B. The copper wire (resistance 0.1)

Explanation: When resistance is in parallel, voltage (V) is the same but current is different for every resistance. Current (i) is related to voltage and resistance (R) by Ohm's Law

i = $\frac{V}{R}$

So, since both wires are in parallel, they have the same voltage but because the copper wire resistance is smaller than Nichrome wire, the first's current will be bigger.

Every resistor in a circuit dissipates electrical power (P) that is converted into heat energy. The dissipation can be found by:

P = $i^{2}*R$

As current for copper wire is bigger than nichrome, power will be bigger and it will dissipate more heat.

In conclusion, the copper wire will dissipate more heat when connected in parallel.