# A particular extension cord can support up to 8 amps. Mo has an iron whose label states 1200...

## Question:

A particular extension cord can support up to {eq}8 {/eq} amps. Mo has an iron whose label states {eq}1200 {/eq} watts and wonders if the iron can be plugged into the extension cord. If watts are converted to amps by dividing by {eq}120 {/eq} how many amps does the iron use?

## Current

The flow of electric charge with a specific rate through a cross section is termed as electric current. In an electric circuit, the charge carriers in a wire are electrons.

## Answer and Explanation:

Given data

• Current in cord is {eq}{I_c} = 8\;{\rm{amp}} {/eq}
• Power of iron is {eq}P = 1200\;{\rm{W}} {/eq}
• Voltage converted is {eq}V = 120\;{\rm{V}} {/eq}

The expression for power in watt is,

{eq}\begin{align*} P &= I \times V\\ I &= \dfrac{P}{V} \end{align*} {/eq}

Substitute the given value in above we get,

{eq}\begin{align*} I &= \dfrac{{1200\;{\rm{W}}}}{{120\;{\rm{V}}}}\\ &= 10\;{\rm{A}} \end{align*} {/eq}

Thus, the current use by iron is {eq}10\;{\rm{A}} {/eq}.

#### Learn more about this topic:

Electric Current Lesson for Kids

from Science for Kids

Chapter 6 / Lesson 28
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