Question

Extend your thinking: Household appliances are usually connected in a parallel circuit. Why do you think it might be a problem if too many appliances are turned on at once? (Hint: current in a wire also produces heat.)

Answer 1

If too many appliances are turned on at once in a parallel circuit, it can lead to an overload of the circuit. This means that the total current drawn from the circuit exceeds its maximum capacity, which can cause overheating of the wires. The heat produced by the excessive current can potentially lead to a fire hazard. Additionally, the appliances themselves may not receive enough power to function properly if they are all drawing current simultaneously, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential damage to the appliances. Therefore, it is important to distribute the use of household appliances across different circuits or time periods to prevent overloading and ensure safe operation.