If the power of a heater is doubled and the heating time is kept the same, what happens to the heat energy Q supplied?

Prepare for the IGCSE Science Paper 6 Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your science exam!

Multiple Choice

If the power of a heater is doubled and the heating time is kept the same, what happens to the heat energy Q supplied?

Explanation:
Heat energy transferred by a heater over a set time depends on how quickly energy is delivered, which is power, multiplied by the time: Q = P × t. Power is the rate of energy transfer, so if you keep the heating time the same and double the power, you deliver energy twice as fast for the same duration. Mathematically, with the new power P' = 2P and the same time t, the energy becomes Q' = P' × t = 2P × t = 2Q. So the total heat energy supplied doubles. This relies on the idea that energy depends on how long the heater runs at a given power; increasing power while keeping time constant directly increases the energy by that same factor.

Heat energy transferred by a heater over a set time depends on how quickly energy is delivered, which is power, multiplied by the time: Q = P × t. Power is the rate of energy transfer, so if you keep the heating time the same and double the power, you deliver energy twice as fast for the same duration. Mathematically, with the new power P' = 2P and the same time t, the energy becomes Q' = P' × t = 2P × t = 2Q. So the total heat energy supplied doubles. This relies on the idea that energy depends on how long the heater runs at a given power; increasing power while keeping time constant directly increases the energy by that same factor.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy