Reply To: How do I go about trying to solve this?

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June 3, 2021 at 3:16 pm #13276
Susan Brown
Keymaster

    Hi Randy,

    You can solve this with one of the Ohm’s Law equations from the pie chart in Unit 3.

    First, let’s think about what is being described. A heating element is going to be used in a 240vac circuit and is designed to produce about 5600 watts of heat.

    In other words, the resistance of that heating element will be the right value so that the current in the circuit that goes through it will generate the right amount of heat given a voltage of 240v.

    We can calculate what the resistance would be.

    When you are asked to calculate something, always clearly identify two things:

    1. What are you being asked to find?
    2. What information are you given?

    In this case:
    1. Resistance (R, in ohms)
    2. Power (P, 5600 watts), and voltage supply (E, 240vac)

    So, look at the Ohm’s Law pie chart. Can you see which formula would be appropriate to use?