Question

A current of 0.5 ampere is drawn by a filament of an electric bulb for 10 minutes. Find the amount of electrical charge :

• A. \(300 \text{ Coulomb}\)
• B. \(600 \text{ Coulomb}\)
• C. \(60 \text{ Coulomb}\)
• D. \(30 \text{ Coulomb}\)

Hint:

Remember the formula: Charge (\(Q\)) = Current (\(I\)) \(\times\) Time (\(t\)). Crucially, ensure time is in {seconds} if current is in amperes to get charge in coulombs. 10 minutes = \(10 \times 60 = 600\) seconds. \(Q = 0.5 \times 600 = 300\) Coulombs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Electric current (\(I\)) is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge (\(Q\)) per unit time (\(t\)). The relationship is \(I = Q/t\). Step 1: Given information
Current (\(I\)) = \(0.5 \text{ ampere (A)}\)
Time (\(t\)) = \(10 \text{ minutes}\) We need to find the amount of electrical charge (\(Q\)). Step 2: Convert time to SI units (seconds) The SI unit for time in this formula is seconds. \[ 1 \text{ minute} = 60 \text{ seconds} \] \[ 10 \text{ minutes} = 10 \times 60 \text{ seconds} = 600 \text{ seconds (s)} \] Step 3: Use the formula relating current, charge, and time The formula is \(I = Q/t\). We need to find \(Q\), so we rearrange the formula: \[ Q = I \times t \] Step 4: Calculate the charge (\(Q\)) Substitute the values of \(I\) and \(t\) (in seconds) into the formula: \[ Q = 0.5 \text{ A} \times 600 \text{ s} \] \[ Q = 300 \text{ Coulombs (C)} \] (Note: \(0.5 \times 600\) is the same as half of 600). The amount of electrical charge that flows through the filament is \(300 \text{ Coulombs}\). This matches option (1).