What is the power consumed in a 120-volt circuit with a resistance of 4.5 ohms?

To determine the power consumed in a circuit, the correct formula to use is the relationship defined by Ohm's Law and the power formula:

Power (P) in watts can be calculated using the formula:

[ P = \frac{V^2}{R} ]

Where:

• ( P ) is power in watts,

• ( V ) is voltage in volts,

• ( R ) is resistance in ohms.

In this case, the voltage (V) is 120 volts and the resistance (R) is 4.5 ohms. Plugging these values into the formula yields:

[ P = \frac{(120)^2}{4.5} ]

[ P = \frac{14400}{4.5} ]

[ P = 3200 \text{ W} ]

Thus, the power consumed in the circuit is 3200 watts. This calculation directly aligns with the principles of electrical circuits, where increasing voltage and decreasing resistance results in higher power consumption.

The other choices represent different computed values which do not adhere to the power formula when applied to the given voltage and resistance, confirming that they do not accurately reflect the scenario presented in the question.