Which component is a coiled wire that heats up when power is applied?

Which component is a coiled wire that heats up when power is applied?

• A. Conductive wire
• B. Capacitor
• C. Transformer
• D. Resistive Element

Answer: (D)

A resistive element is a coil of resistance wire chosen to turn electrical energy into heat. When current flows through the wire, collisions between electrons and atoms produce thermal energy—this is I-squared-R heating. The coil form increases resistance and surface area, making it effective at generating and distributing heat in appliances like toasters and heaters. Conductive wire mainly provides a path for current and only heats significantly if current is excessive; it isn’t designed to act as a heater. A capacitor stores energy, not continuously dissipates it as heat. A transformer transfers energy between windings; any heating would be due to losses, not the intended heating function.

A resistive element is a coil of resistance wire chosen to turn electrical energy into heat. When current flows through the wire, collisions between electrons and atoms produce thermal energy—this is I-squared-R heating. The coil form increases resistance and surface area, making it effective at generating and distributing heat in appliances like toasters and heaters.

Conductive wire mainly provides a path for current and only heats significantly if current is excessive; it isn’t designed to act as a heater. A capacitor stores energy, not continuously dissipates it as heat. A transformer transfers energy between windings; any heating would be due to losses, not the intended heating function.