Question

What is the principle on which an electric fuse works? Why special materials like alloys are used to make them. Copper wire is not suitable to make these fuses. Why?

Answer 1

Explanation:

✓✓ An electric fuse is based on the principle of heating effect of electric current. It is made up of thin metallic wire of non-combustible material. A fuse is always connected between the ends of the terminal in a series connection with the circuit.

✓✓ The fuse wire is usually made from alloys so that they do not oxidise readily on heating . Also alloys have high resistivity when compared to metals .

✓✓ A copper metal wire (or any other metal wire or metal strip) should not be used as a fuse wire because it has a high melting point due to which it will not melt easily when a large current passes through it.