Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When an electric current flows through a conductor with electrical resistance, the conductor resists the flow of charge, converting some electrical energy into thermal energy.
Detailed Explanation:
This conversion of electrical energy to heat is governed by Joule's Law of Heating.
According to this law, the heat generated (\( H \)) in a conductor is:
1. Directly proportional to the square of the electric current (\( I^2 \)).
2. Directly proportional to the electrical resistance of the conductor (\( R \)).
3. Directly proportional to the time duration (\( t \)) for which the current flows.
Combining these proportionalities yields the equation:
\[ H = I^2 \cdot R \cdot t \text{ Joules} \]
Let us derive this from Ohm's Law and the definition of power:
- Electrical Power (\( P \)) is:
\[ P = V \cdot I \]
- Substituting Ohm's Law (\( V = I \cdot R \)) into the power equation:
\[ P = (I \cdot R) \cdot I = I^2 R \]
- Total heat energy generated (\( H \)) over time \( t \) is power multiplied by time:
\[ H = P \cdot t = I^2 R t \]
This matches the equation in Option (A).
Step 2: Final Answer:
The heat produced is given by the equation \( H = I^2 R t \).