Q10 (NDA-II/2012) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Electricity and magnetism Answer Verified

When an electrical safety fuse is rated (marked) as 16 A, it means it

will not work it current is less than 16 A

has a resistance of 16 Q

will work if the temperature is more than 16° C

will be blown (break) if current exceeds 16 A

Result

Your answer: — · Correct: D

Explanation

An electrical fuse is a critical safety device designed to protect circuits from damage caused by overloading or short-circuiting [3]. The current rating of a fuse, such as 16 A, indicates the maximum nominal amperage it can carry under specified conditions [1]. If the current flowing through the circuit exceeds this specified value, the temperature of the fuse wire increases due to Joule heating [2]. This heat causes the fuse element—typically a metal wire or strip with a low melting point—to melt and break, thereby opening the circuit and halting the flow of electricity [2]. This mechanism prevents overheating and potential fire hazards [2]. While fuses are temperature-sensitive, the 16 A rating refers specifically to the current threshold, not the ambient temperature or the internal resistance of the device [1].

Sources

[2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > 12.4 DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS > p. 205
[3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current > What you have learnt > p. 206
[1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > 11.7.1 Practical Applications of Heating Effect of Electric Current > p. 190

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When an electrical safety fuse is rated (marked) as 16 A, it means it

Explanation

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

A fuse is used in main electric supply as a safety device. Which one of the following statements about the fuse is correct?

Metal used to make wires for safety fuses must have

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