To determine which option consumes more electricity, we need to compare the power consumption of running an electric fan for four hours versus running the air conditioner for one hour. Let's assume the following:
- Electric Fan: The power consumption of the electric fan is 50 watts.
- Air Conditioner: The power consumption of the air conditioner is 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt).
Now, let's calculate the total energy consumption for each option:
Running an Electric Fan for Four Hours: Energy consumed (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours) Energy consumed = 50 watts × 4 hours = 200 watt-hours = 0.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Switching on the Air Conditioner for One Hour: Energy consumed (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours) Energy consumed = 1,000 watts × 1 hour = 1,000 watt-hours = 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Comparing the results:
- Running an electric fan for four hours consumes 0.2 kWh of electricity.
- Running the air conditioner for one hour consumes 1 kWh of electricity.
Based on these calculations, running the air conditioner for one hour consumes more electricity than running an electric fan for four hours. The electric fan is a much more energy-efficient option for cooling a room when compared to an air conditioner, which requires significantly more power to operate. However, the air conditioner provides more effective cooling for larger spaces, whereas an electric fan is suitable for smaller areas or personal cooling needs.