Physics
What is a fuse? Name the material of fuse. State one characteristic of the material used for fuse.
Answer
An electric fuse is a safety device which is used to limit the current in an electric circuit. The use of a fuse safeguards the circuit and the appliances connected in that circuit from being damaged.
An alloy of lead and tin is used as the material of the fuse wire because it's melting point is low (approx 250 °C) and specific resistance is high (more than that of Copper, Aluminium, etc.)
The characteristics of the material used for the fuse wire is that it should have low melting point so that it may easily melt due to overheating when current in excess to the prescribed limit passes through it.
Related Questions
How is a fuse put in an electric circuit? State the purpose of using a fuse in a circuit.
Name the device used to protect the electric circuits from over loading and short circuit. On what effect of current does it work?
A fuse is always connected in the live wire of the circuit. Explain the reason.
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