A cattleman has installed a new electric fence. The cows keep escaping because they are not deterred by the low power they experience when touching the fence. There are two dials on his controls. Would you tell him to change the amperage or voltage? Support your answer with information from the lesson.
Increasing the voltage increases the current and power(P = E*I); therefore, the voltage should be increased.
To determine whether the cattleman should change the amperage or voltage on the electric fence, we need to understand their roles in the electrical circuit.
Voltage refers to the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It determines how forcefully the electricity flows. Higher voltage levels mean more electrical pressure and stronger shocks. However, voltage alone does not necessarily make an electric fence more effective at deterring the cows.
On the other hand, amperage (also known as current) refers to the rate of flow of electric charge through a circuit. It measures the quantity of electricity passing through a specific point. Amperage is what is responsible for delivering the shock that deters the cows.
Based on the information provided, if the cows are not being deterred by the low power they experience when touching the fence, it implies that the shock delivered to them is not strong enough. In this case, the cattleman should adjust the amperage on his controls. By increasing the amperage, he can make the electric fence deliver a more powerful shock to the cows, which should deter them from touching it.
It's important to note that the cattleman should exercise caution when adjusting the amperage. Increasing it too much could potentially cause harm to the cows. Therefore, it is advisable for him to consult with professionals or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the appropriate amperage setting to ensure the safety of both the cows and the fence.
In summary, the cattleman should change the amperage on his controls to provide a stronger shock that will deter the cows from escaping through the electric fence.