Joule heating
principle · 1841 · Industrial Revolution
A current passing through a resistance releases heat.
Principles and materials it uses
- Electrical resistance — uses. The heat released depends on the conductor’s resistance and the current.
- Conservation of energy — uses. Joule measured the mechanical equivalent of heat.
Where it is used
- Heating element — is used in. Current passing through the coil releases heat according to Joule’s law.
- Incandescent light bulb — is used in. The filament is heated by current until it glows.
- Fuse — is used in. The wire burns out when heated by current.