Joule Heating
The process in which the flow of electric current through a conductor generates thermal energy due to electrical resistance.
Governing formula
H = I² R t = P t
SI unit
J (Joules)
In depth
Joule heating arises from microscopic inelastic collisions between accelerating drift electrons and the stationary ions of the metal lattice, transferring kinetic energy to lattice vibrations.
Examples in the real world
Electric stove heating elements, incandescent bulb filaments, hair dryers, and electric fuses designed to melt under current overload.