Residential building codes typically require the use of 12-gauge copper wire (diameter 0.2053 cm) for wiring receptacles. Such circuits carry currents as large as 20 A. If a wire of smaller diameter (with a higher gauge number) carried that much current, the wire could rise to a high temperature and cause a fire.
(a) Calculate the rate at which internal energy is produced in 2.10 m of 12-gauge copper wire carrying a current of 20.0 A.
Your response differs significantly from the correct answer. Rework your solution from the beginning and check each step carefully.
(b) Repeat the calculation for an aluminum wire.
Your response differs from the correct answer by more than 10%. Double check your calculations. Would a 12-gauge aluminum wire be as safe as a copper wire?