Question

Consider a pan of water being heated (a) by placing it on an electric range and (b) by placing a heating element in the water. Which method is a more efficient way of heating water? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer:

Method B is the more efficient way of heating the water.

Explanation:

Method B is more efficient because by placing a heating element in the water as in described in method B, the heat that is lost to the surroundings is minimized which implies that more heat is supplied directly to the water. Therefore, more heating is achieved with a lesser amount of electrical energy input. Whereas placing the pan on a range means more heat losses to the surrounding and as such it will take a longer time for the water to heat up and also take more electrical energy.