Lesson eLearning

Explain the working principle of a fuse in a domestic electric circuit and describe how it protects electrical appliances from damage.

medium 4 marks Class 10 · Science · Electricity
Answer
A fuse contains a thin metal strip that melts when the current exceeds its rated value, thereby breaking the circuit. This interruption stops excessive current that could overheat wires or appliances, preventing damage or fire.

Step-by-step solution

  1. State that a fuse is a safety device placed in series with the load.
  2. Explain that the fuse has a thin conductor designed to have a low melting point.
  3. When the current exceeds the rated current , the heating in the strip becomes large enough to raise its temperature to the melting point.
  4. The strip melts, creating an open circuit and instantly stopping the flow of excessive current.
  5. By breaking the circuit, the fuse prevents overheating of wiring and protects appliances from damage or fire hazards.
Common mistake: Thinking that a fuse reduces voltage or can be reused without replacement after it blows.

Concept tested: Fuse as safety device

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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