An electric current of 0.6 A flows through a circuit for 6 minutes. How much electric charge passes through the circuit in this time?

Introduction / Context:

This numerical question is about the relationship between electric current, charge, and time. Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge. By knowing the current and the time for which it flows, we can calculate the total charge that has passed a given point in a circuit. This concept is fundamental in basic electricity and is widely used in designing and analysing electrical systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Current I = 0.6 A (ampere).
• Time t = 6 minutes.
• We assume constant current during this time interval.
• We are asked to find charge Q in coulombs.

Concept / Approach:

The definition of current is I = Q / t, where Q is charge in coulombs and t is time in seconds. Rearranging, we obtain Q = I * t. Before using this formula, we must convert time from minutes to seconds, because the ampere is defined in terms of coulombs per second. Once time is converted and multiplied by current, the result will give the total charge.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

We can check the calculation by breaking it into smaller steps: 0.6 * 100 = 60, 0.6 * 300 = 180, and 0.6 * 60 = 36. Adding 180 and 36 gives 216, matching the previous computation. Another way is to recognise that 0.6 A means 0.6 coulombs per second. In 360 seconds, the total charge is 360 times 0.6, again yielding 216 C. Both methods agree, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 360 C: This would be the charge for a current of 1 A flowing for 360 seconds, not 0.6 A.
• 60 C: This corresponds to a much shorter time or smaller current, indicating a calculation error.
• 36 C: This is also far too small and likely comes from misplacing a decimal or incorrect multiplication.

Common Pitfalls:

Students often forget to convert minutes to seconds and mistakenly use 6 instead of 360 in the formula, giving Q = 0.6 * 6 = 3.6 C, which is incorrect. Others might miscalculate 0.6 * 360 due to handling decimals. To avoid errors, always convert time to seconds for current calculations and multiply carefully. Understanding that 1 A equals 1 C per second helps reinforce the need for consistent time units.

Final Answer:

The amount of electric charge flowing through the circuit is 216 C.