Heating Effect of Current

When electricity or electric current flows through a conductor, heat is generated due to the hindrance caused by the conductor to the flowing current.

The resistance of the conductor converts electrical energy into heat energy.

The quantity of heat generated depends on the value of the current. The greater the value of the current the greater the heat generated.

Applications of the Heating Effect of Current:

This heating effect is utilised in many devices including hair dryers, toasters, electric cookers, bulbs, irons, etc.

Electric Iron: An insulator, called mica, is placed between the metal part and the coil in an iron. When the iron is switched on, the coil becomes heated due to the passage of current which is then transferred to the metallic part through the mica. The metal part finally becomes hot which is used for ironing clothes.