Question: Finding Current in Series Circuit with Household Appliances

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To find the current in a 115 V household circuit with a 1385 W hair dryer and a 625 W microwave operating simultaneously, the current is calculated to be 17.48 A. However, when these appliances are connected in series, the current draw becomes uncertain due to the nature of AC appliances, as they typically cannot operate in series. The discussion highlights confusion over the differences between the two scenarios, with some participants expressing frustration at the perceived simplicity of the question. It is noted that connecting such appliances in series is impractical, as the microwave would likely not function. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the challenges and misconceptions often encountered in physics problems.
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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 calcualte the restance of them assuming the powers given above, then calcualte 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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