Question: Finding Current in Series Circuit with Household Appliances

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the current in a series circuit involving household appliances, specifically a hair dryer and a microwave oven, when connected to a 115 V line. The original poster presents two questions: one regarding the current draw when both appliances operate simultaneously and another about their current draw when connected in series.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between power, voltage, and current, questioning the differences between the two scenarios presented. There is an attempt to clarify the calculations needed for series circuits and the implications of connecting AC appliances in this manner.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the original question, with some participants providing guidance on calculating resistance and current. There is a recognition of the confusion surrounding the problem setup, and some express frustration with the nature of the question itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that connecting AC appliances like a microwave and hair dryer in series may not be practical, raising concerns about the validity of the problem as presented. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for misunderstanding in physics problems that seem to present trick questions.

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Homework Statement


What current would flow in an ordinary 115 V household circuit, if a 1385 W hair drier and a 625 W microwave oven were operating simultaneously on this line?
Answer: 17.48 A

How much current would the hair drier and microwave from the previous question draw, if they were connected to the 115 V line in series?
Answer: Unknown

Homework Equations


P=IV, V=IR


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm looking for an answer to the second question. Aren't the first and second questions the same? I can't see the difference...
 
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What a dumb question!
What they want you do is calculate the restance of them assuming the powers given above, then calculate the series resitance and use that with 115v to get a power.
 
thanks, but you don't have to be so mean! sheesh! We all make stupid mistakes
 
I think he was referring the question in your text, not your question about the question.
 
Sorry I meant it was a stupid question in the book - you don't connect 115V ac appliances like that. I would have been tempted to say 0A because the microwave wouldn't turn on!

It's the sort of thing that puts people off physics - they think it's all just trick questions, when you are supposed to ignore friction here or assume the weight of the rope doesn't matter there.
 
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