20. Joule's law of heating

Consider a steady current \(I\) flowing through a conductor \(XY\) of resistance \(R\). Let the potential difference \(V\) be applied across the ends of the resistor.

 

If the charge \(Q\) flows for a time interval of \(t\) seconds, then the amount of electric charge moved from point \(X\) to \(Y\) is given as,

 

 

When an electric charge \(Q\) moves with a potential difference \(V\), the amount of electrical work done \(W\) is given by,
\(\)

 

The energy spent by the source during the work is released in the form of heat. In circuits, all the electrical energy consumed (work done) is converted into heat energy.

 

Hence, the heat produced is given as,
\(\)

$H =W = Q \times V$ ---- (eq. 1)

 

According to Ohm’s law, the potential difference \(V\) is given as,

 

 

Now, substituting the values of \(Q\) and \(V\) in equation (eq. 1), we get

 

 

A scientist named 'Joule' has extensively studied this heating effect and formulated laws. Thus, the conversion of electrical energy into heat energy is known as Joule's heating.

The Joule's heating effect forms the basis for all-electric heating appliances such as iron boxes, water heaters, toasters, etc. Even connecting wires produce a small resistance to the current flow. That is why all electrical gadgets practically become warm when utilised in an electric circuit.