An electric eel in a lab can produce a voltage of up to 800

An electric eel in a lab can produce a voltage of up to 800 V and a current of 1.0 A for about 2.0 msec.

a. If we assume that the current is constant for that time interval, what is the peak power generated by the eel?

b. How much energy in Joules has the eel converted into this discharge?

c. If the eel is in a school of small fish, each with a resistance of about has a hold of a small fish so that the current flows through the fish with a resistance of 250 Ohms. How much current will flow from the eel if the current passes through 6 fish in series in going from the + to – voltage points on the eel?

d. What is the peak power dissipated in each fish.

Solution

a)

Peak Power generated by the eel is

P=VI =800*1

P=800 Watts

b)

Energy

E=Pt =800*2*10^-3

E=1.6 J

c)

equivalent resistance of 6 fish in series

R_eq=250+250+250+250+250+250

R_eq=1500 ohms

Total Current

I=V/R =800/1500

I=0.53 A

d)

Peak Power dissipated in each fish is

P=I²R =0.53²*250 =71.1Watts