======Kettle Power======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Comparing Kettles by Power Output
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Plug each kettle into a separate power meter and wall socket (do not use extension leads).  
  - Set both meters to measure voltage and record the readings.  
  - Pour the same volume of water (e.g., 0.5 liters) into each kettle, measuring initial water temperature if desired.  
  - Switch on both kettles simultaneously.  
  - Change the meters to measure current and note the values.  
  - Switch meters to power mode to display electrical power.  
  - Observe which kettle boils first and discuss the relationship between voltage, current, and power.



====Links==== 

📄 Kettle power - Institute of Physics: [[https://spark.iop.org/kettle-power]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try using different volumes of water to compare boiling times.  
  * Test kettles of other power ratings (e.g., 2 kW) to expand the comparison.  
  * Use a thermometer to track temperature increase over time and compare heating rates.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Plug kettles directly into wall outlets, not extension leads, as high-power kettles draw large currents.  
  * Ensure kettles are on stable surfaces to avoid spills and burns.  
  * Handle hot water carefully to prevent scalding.  
  * Check that the lab’s electrical circuits can handle both kettles running simultaneously.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Which kettle boils the water first? (The higher-power kettle boils water faster.)  
  * Why does the larger kettle draw a higher current? (It has lower resistance, so for the same voltage it allows more current.)  
  * How does power relate to current and voltage? (P = IV, so power increases with higher current at the same voltage.)  
  * Why does the smaller kettle not boil faster even though it looks more compact? (Both kettles contain the same mass of water, so the energy needed is the same; only the power rating changes the rate of heating.)