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Question

A 100 W electric bulb is used for  10 hours a day. How many units of electrical energy are consumed by the bulb in 3 days? (1 unit = 1 kWh)

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

3.00

Calculating Electrical Energy Consumption

This question asks us to calculate the total electrical energy consumed by an electric bulb over a specific period and express it in 'units', where 1 unit is equal to 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Electrical energy consumption depends on two main factors: the power of the appliance and the duration for which it is used.

The formula to calculate electrical energy is:

Energy = Power × Time

Let's break down the given information and perform the calculation step-by-step.

  • Power of the bulb: The electric bulb has a power rating of 100 W.
  • Daily usage time: The bulb is used for 10 hours each day.
  • Total number of days: The calculation needs to be done for 3 days.
  • Unit of energy: 1 unit = 1 kWh.

Step-by-Step Energy Calculation

Step 1: Convert Power to Kilowatts (kW)

The power is given in Watts (W), but the energy unit (kWh) requires power in Kilowatts (kW). We know that 1 kW = 1000 W.

Power in kW = Power in W / 1000

Power of the bulb = 100 W / 1000 W/kW = 0.1 kW

Step 2: Calculate Total Usage Time

The bulb is used for 10 hours per day for 3 days. We need the total hours of usage over this period.

Total Time = Daily usage time × Number of days

Total Time = 10 hours/day × 3 days = 30 hours

Step 3: Calculate Total Electrical Energy Consumed

Now we can use the formula Energy = Power × Time, using the values in kW and hours.

Total Energy Consumed (in kWh) = Power (in kW) × Total Time (in hours)

Total Energy Consumed = 0.1 kW × 30 hours = 3 kWh

Step 4: Convert Energy from kWh to Units

The question specifies that 1 unit = 1 kWh. Therefore, the energy consumed in units is the same as the energy consumed in kWh.

Energy in Units = Energy in kWh / (1 kWh/unit)

Energy in Units = 3 kWh / 1 kWh/unit = 3 units

So, the electric bulb consumes 3 units of electrical energy in 3 days.

Summary of Calculations

Parameter Value Unit
Power of bulb 100 W
Power of bulb (converted) 0.1 kW
Daily usage 10 hours/day
Number of days 3 days
Total usage time 30 hours
Total energy consumed 3 kWh
Energy consumed in units (1 unit = 1 kWh) 3 units

Comparing our calculated value with the given options, we find that 3.00 units matches one of the options.

Revision Table: Electrical Energy Basics

Concept Definition/Formula Unit(s)
Electric Power (P) Rate at which electrical energy is transferred or used. Watt (W), Kilowatt (kW)
Electric Energy (E) Power used over a period of time. \(E = P \times T\) Joule (J), Watt-hour (Wh), Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) Energy consumed by a device of 1 kW power operating for 1 hour. kWh
'Unit' of Energy Commonly used term for 1 kWh in electricity billing. Unit

Additional Information: Understanding Electrical Units

The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit used by electricity providers to bill consumers. This is why calculating energy consumption in kWh is important for understanding electricity costs. The term 'unit' is simply a common name for 1 kWh on your electricity meter and bill.

The power rating of an appliance, usually given in Watts (W), indicates how much energy it consumes per unit of time when in operation. Higher wattage appliances consume energy at a faster rate.

Calculating energy consumption helps in understanding which appliances use the most energy and can guide efforts to save electricity and reduce bills.

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