Energy consumption over long duration: An appliance rated at 350 W runs continuously for 24 days. How many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy does it consume?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 201.6 kWh

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Household and industrial energy billing uses kilowatt-hours. Converting a device's power rating and runtime to kWh is essential for cost estimation and energy management.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Power P = 350 W = 0.35 kW.
  • Time = 24 days of continuous operation.
  • 1 day = 24 h → total hours = 24 * 24 = 576 h.


Concept / Approach:
Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) * Time (h). Use consistent units and multiply precisely. Long durations can lead to large energy totals even for modest power ratings.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert power: 350 W = 0.35 kW.Compute total hours: 24 days * 24 h/day = 576 h.Energy = 0.35 kW * 576 h = 201.6 kWh.


Verification / Alternative check:
As watt-hours: 350 W * 576 h = 201,600 Wh. Convert to kWh by dividing by 1,000 → 201.6 kWh. Both methods match exactly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 20.16 kWh and 2.01 kWh: Off by factors of 10 or 100 due to incorrect hour conversion.
  • 8.4 kWh: Corresponds to 0.35 kW for only 24 h, not 24 days.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using days directly in the formula without converting to hours.
  • Confusing W with kW, leading to tenfold errors in energy.


Final Answer:
201.6 kWh

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