A constant current i is maintained in a resistor. Taking into account the temperature coefficient of resistance, select the plot in the figure that best illustrates the rate of thermal energy production in the resistor.

Step-by-step solution

The rate of thermal energy production in a resistor is given by dU dt = i^2 R . Since the current i is constant, the rate of energy production is directly proportional to the resistance R . As current flows through the resistor, its temperature T increases due to Joule heating. The resistance of a typical metallic resistor increases with temperature according to the relation R = R₀[1 + (T - T₀)] , where the temperature coefficient of resistance > 0 . Therefore, the resistance R increases with time, which implies th