Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

Explain why a fuse wire has a low melting point and high resistance, and how these properties help in protecting electrical circuits and appliances.

4 views 1 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
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Answer

A fuse wire has a low melting point so that it can melt quickly and break the circuit as soon as an excessive current flows through it, preventing damage. It has a high resistance so that it heats up significantly (due to the heating effect, H=I²Rt) even with a relatively small increase in current, thereby reaching its melting point faster and providing prompt, effective protection to the electrical circuit and appliances connected to it.

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