Amp-hours, Current, Watts & A Coffee Pot

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We wrote about the water flow analogy the other day. How we can understand electricity flow a little better when we compare it with a river. Today are going to use our homespun coffee pot theory to explain the difference between volts, currents, and watts. While we get our thoughts together why not pour yourself a cup  of coffee if that is what you fancy.

The Design of the ‘French Press’ Coffee Pot

coffee pot
Coffee Plunger: Leland: CC 3.0

Coffee lovers claim coffee plungers make the best coffee in the world, because the ground coffee remains in contact with the liquid as it brews. The design is similar to teapots and milk jugs everywhere.

We have a large tank to store the product, and a narrow spout to pour the liquid to prevent spilling. When you think about it, soft drink cans and bottles control the flow of liquid in a similar way,

Let’s Compare This to Basic Battery Design

Well first, batteries are containers full of electrolyte. This was originally a liquid, although nowadays the industry is moving to gels and solid materials. We measure coffee pot capacity by volume. With battery capacity, we speak of  either watt-hours, kilowatt-hours , or amp-hours depending on battery size. Both are, if you like, potential measures in terms of what’s available.

coffee pot
Electric Peculator: Andreaze: CC 1.0

In both cases, we need to control the rate of delivery. With our coffee press, the lid prevents the coffee flowing out too quickly and making a mess.

We manage the outflow of electric current from a battery with the thickness of the wire. And the resistance of the device we connect. If you are thinking this works the same way as an electric coffee percolator spout, you are correct.

How We Measure the Rate of Electricity Flow

We could measure the flow from a coffee pot by the rate we fill cups through the spout  We measure energy transfer with a more accurate unit we call watts.

So the greater the wattage of our sandwich toaster or radiant heater, the more electricity it draws. And the more the electricity costs us, of course. Always check the rating before you purchase to save money.

Related

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Measure of Energy and Power

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About Author

I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time. I live in Margate on the Kwazulu-Natal south coast of South Africa. I work from home where I ponder on the future of the planet, and what lies beyond in the great hereafter. Sometimes I step out of my computer into the silent riverine forests, and empty golden beaches for which the area is renowned. Richard

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