Devra L. Doolin
When discussing kitchen appliances, it is necessary to understand two terms: Volts and Watts.
Volts and Watts are ways of measuring different aspects of electricity.
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A volt measures the amount of pressure used to send the penny through the circle. When it is sent with little force, it is similar to a faucet with lightly running water. When it is sent with great force, it’s like running water which comes out hard because the knob is turned all the way. Watts measure the strength needed to do each job. More strength or watts are needed to lift a chair than are needed to lift a coffee cup.
The standard amount of pressure used to send electrons through the path in our homes is 120 volts. The amount of strength needed to power a kitchen appliance depends on the unit. For example, an electric hand mixer may require 100 watts of strength to thoroughly combine a batter mixture; however, a blender may require 1000 watts of strength because it must be able to cut or chop hard raw foods. This requires much more effort on the part of a unit. Both convert electricity to mechanical energy with varying degrees of strength. Once the unit is “on,” the function performed may be done by changing the electricity power to heat energy (e.g. toaster, crockpot, or skillet); or electricity may be converted to motion or mechanical energy such as in a blender, food processor, or mixer. Electricity can be converted to short wave energy in the home; appliances utilizing this kind of energy conversion would be televisions, radios and microwave ovens. The energy conversion in kitchen appliances can be categorized according to the needed usage:
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