Fuse Wire Diameter Calculation for Electric Circuit

What is the importance of using a fuse in an electric circuit? Fuses are crucial components in electric circuits as they are designed to protect the circuit from damage due to excessive current flow. If the current exceeds a predetermined value, the fuse wire will melt, causing the circuit to open and prevent further damage.

When an electric circuit experiences a surge in current beyond its capacity, it can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire. By using a fuse with a specific diameter wire, the current flow can be limited to a safe level, ensuring the protection of the circuit and the devices connected to it.

The calculation for determining the appropriate diameter of the fuse wire involves considering the current density and the desired current limit. In the given scenario, the current density at which the fuse wire melts is 500 A/cm2, and the desired current limit is 0.64 A.

To calculate the diameter of the cylindrical wire needed for the fuse, we use the formula:

d = 2 * r

Where r is the radius of the wire, given by the equation:

r = √(I / (π * J))

After performing the calculations based on the given data, we find that the diameter of the wire should be 4.04 x 10^-4 meters to ensure that the current is limited to 0.64 A, effectively protecting the electric circuit from damage.

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