How Much Does It Cost to Use a Hair Dryer for a Year?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the annual cost of using a hair dryer, focusing on basic physics concepts related to energy consumption and cost calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest making estimates based on power ratings of hair dryers, local electricity costs, and typical usage patterns. There is an emphasis on understanding the process of order-of-magnitude estimation.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various approaches to estimating costs, with some participants providing specific steps to gather necessary data, while others highlight the intuitive nature of the problem. There is no explicit consensus on a single method, but productive ideas are being exchanged.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is intended for introductory physics and may not require advanced concepts. The discussion also acknowledges the importance of making reasonable assumptions about usage and costs.

reyunknown
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Make an order-of-magnitude estimate of the cost of one person’s routine use of a hair dryer for 1 yr. If you do not use a blow dryer yourself, observe or interview someone who does. State the quantities you estimate and their values.
 
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Find out the power of a dryer (Google) and the cost of a kWh in your area (Google).Estimate the time somebody uses the dryer in a year in hours.Compute the number of kWh then the price.
 
By the way, this topic is not a topic for advanced physics. This is something for introductory physics.

The question should be very intuitive. The best part about order-of-magnitude questions is that you can, for example, say a new flat screen tv costs $2000 or $5000 and as an order of magnitude calculation goes, they're the exact same answer.
 
Thx for helping !
 

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