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Anannya responded to the question: Why do electrical appliances with metallic bodies are connected to the mains through a three pin plug, whereas an electric bulb can be connected with a two pin plug?
She wrote: Three pin connections reduce heating of connecting wires.
(i) Is her answer correct or incorrect? Justify.
Answer:
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Anannya’s answer is incorrect. This is because electrical appliances with metallic bodies need an earth wire which provides a low resistance conducting path to the flow of current, in case there is an accidental leakage of current through the conducting body of the appliances. This is a safety precaution to avoid electric shock because the extra charge flowing through the metallic body will be passed to earth.
(ii) What is the function of a fuse in a domestic circuit?
Answer:
An electrical fuse is a safety device that operates to provide protection against the overflow of current in an electrical circuit. It is a short piece of wire made up of copper or any other metal with a low melting point which breaks due to heat caused by an excessive flow of current which prevents short circuit or damage to the electrical device.
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