Devices that draw lots of current are best plugged into separate circuits. If yo
ID: 1634648 • Letter: D
Question
Devices that draw lots of current are best plugged into separate circuits. If you've ever been at an event with live sound and all the sound equipment suddenly shutoff, it's likely because several powerful amplifiers were plugged into the same circuit and the threshold current was exceeded. a. My space heater is rated for 1500 W. How much current does that draw from my 120-V outlet? What resistance is the resistance of the space heater? i. If I connected a second identical space heater in series with the same 120-V circuit, would my room heat any faster? b. My home has a couple dozen or so separate circuits that are protected by their own circuit breakers. However, most, if not all, of the electrical power enters my home through one source. The separate circuits in my house are either connected in series or in parallel. Explain what would happen if a single circuit breaker is tripped in each case, and which you believe is the wiser choice.Explanation / Answer
From the given question,
a)power(P)=1500 W
voltage(V)=120 V
P=VI
Current(I)=P/V=1500/120=12.5 A
V=IR
Resistance(R)=V/I=120/12.5=9.6 Ohm
If second space heater is connected in series,
Total resistance=9.6+9.6=19.2 Ohms
As both resistance are in series, the 120 V is getting shared equally.
Voltage across each resistance=60 V
Power(P)=V2/R=602/9.6=375 W
Total power= 375+375= 750 W
It wont heat room faster. The total power has been reduced from 1500W to 750 W
b)If the electrical components are connected in series, then one faulty component will lead to stopping of whole circuit.
Instead the electrical components should be connected in parallel to external source. even if one component is not working, other components will not be affected.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.