Copper and Chromel Wire Segments

Concept Overview:

Different materials will produce a different amount of heat due to differing resistance, even if the current through the materials is the same.

Lecturer Procedure

Step(s) to Follow

1. Turn on DC Switch
2. After about 10 seconds, the NiCr segments will begin to glow.
3. Pinch the copper segments with your hand
4. (optional) place paper over the NiCr wire segments
5. (optional) measure the voltage drop over each segment of wire.

Expected Result

3 - You will be able to touch the copper segments, since they are still cool

4 - The paper will catch fire (students enjoy watching this)

5 - There will be a different voltage drop due to the differing resistances of the materials (Ohm's Law)

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