Physics 110 – Electrical Power Worksheet
Name: ________________________________
Pledged:
Part 1
Electrical appliances have a great variety of power ratings. Find as many electrical
appliances in your dorm room / apartment as you can (up to eight) and record the power ratings of
each below along with the forms of energy they produce (heat, light, sound, etc.) Using the Power
Rating, calculate the amount of current used by each of these appliances.
Name of Appliance and Brand
Power Rating
(Watts)
Form(s) of Energy Produced
Current Used
(Amperes)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1. What pattern, if any, do you think exists between the "power rating" of the appliance and the form of energy it is
designed to provide?
2. Rank the appliances in order from the one likely to draw the most current to the one that would draw the least
amount of current.
3. Is there likely to be a problem if all of the appliances are turned on at the same time on a single circuit fused at
20 A?
Physics 110 – Electrical Power Worksheet
Part 2
Choose the four appliances that draw the most current and list them below with their power rating. Using
the rate of $ 0.10 / kWh, calculate the cost per hour of use and then calculate the cost for one minute. Show all
calculations.
Appliance
Wattage
Cost / Hour
Cost / Minute
Part 3
Choose one of the following problems, analyze it showing all of your calculations, and then write a short
summary of your findings.
1. Does it cost more to bake a potato in a microwave or in a conventional oven?
2. What time of day do you use the most amount of electrical energy? Explain why, using
appliances and the wattages to prove your point.
3. Does it cost more to play your favorite CD for two hours or to watch a two-hour movie?
4. What costs more to operate during the eight hours you sleep (on a school night), your
electric alarm clock or a night light?
5. How long can you play an electric radio for a dollar?