A 12v DC power supply from a 500 Watt power supply unit is being used to heat a wire of approx 1 meter. As I understand if more current passes through the wire, the hotter it gets. In order to vary the heat of the wire I need to vary something.
My question is...
What is that something and which way is it to be varied (as in up or down)?
Also what would I need to do it ?
Many thanks,
Paul
2007-10-27 16:43:15 · 5 answers · asked by Don Pav 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
place a resistor with higher resistance to minimize the current
2007-10-27 17:18:48 · answer #1 · answered by ptolemy862000 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You seem to have a fixed voltage, your power supply,
and a fixed resistance, your 1 M. wire.
Assuming that the resistance of the wire is matched
to the voltage so that the capacity of the power supply is not exceeded, to vary the current through the wire, (and thus its heat output): you can vary the total resistance with a variable resistor inserted in
the circuit.
2007-10-28 14:12:18 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OK first of all is it a parallel or a series circuit. in a series circuit the current stays the same no matter what the resistance
you'll have .288ohms and 41.67amps total in ether circuit
in a series circuit you would have to increase the resistance to get the voltage drop you would need
in parallel the current would have to be more than need on the branch
2007-10-28 00:20:23 · answer #3 · answered by joe l 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Less amps = less heat. Or lengthen the wire lowers the heat.
In your example: 12=volts DC = direct current. Current & amps are the same. Watts divided by voltage = amps.
Bigbair70-------------Never let them see you sweat!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-10-28 00:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To reduce current you either need to increase resistance or decrease voltage.
2007-10-27 23:49:14 · answer #5 · answered by Johnny D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋