Two electric heaters have power ratings P, and P?, at voltage V. They are…

Two electric heaters have power ratings P, and P?, at voltage V. They are connected in series to a de source of voltage V. Find the power consumed by the combination. Will they consume the same power if connected in parallel across the same source?

Ans.

1. When two electric heaters with power ratings $P$ and �′P′ are connected in series to a DC source of voltage $V$, the total power consumed by the combination is given by:

�total=(�+�′)×��Ptotal​=(P+P′)×RV​

where $R$ is the equivalent resistance of the series combination of the heaters.

2. When the heaters are connected in parallel across the same source, the total power consumed by the combination is simply the sum of the powers consumed by each heater:

�total=�+�′Ptotal​=P+P′

Therefore, the power consumed by the combination of heaters in series is affected by the equivalent resistance of the series combination, while in parallel, each heater operates independently and consumes power according to its own power rating.