Power consumed by heaters connected in series

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SUMMARY

The power consumed by two 1480 W heaters connected in series to a 120V AC voltage is not simply additive. Instead, the total power consumed is calculated using the formula for power in a series circuit, where voltage is divided between the components. Each heater receives half the voltage, resulting in a total power consumption of 1480 W, not 2960 W. Understanding the relationship between voltage and power in series circuits is crucial for accurate calculations.

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  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits
  • Knowledge of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with power calculations in AC circuits
  • Concept of voltage division in series circuits
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  • Study the principles of Ohm's Law and its application in series circuits
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dmolson
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Homework Statement



Q20-9. The power rating of a 1480 W heater specifies the power consumed when the heater is connected to an ac voltage of 120V. What is the power consumed by two of these heaters connected in series, connected to the same voltage?

I am a little new to the electricity field of physics, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
My first guess was that the power would be twice as much, but that is incorrect (2960 W)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What equations do you know that relate voltage to power? Did you know that when in series the voltage is split between the components.
 

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