Physics: maximum power: 800 Watts

Tutoring physics, you can relate it to everyday life. The tutor mentions a funny anecdote.

One of the Christmas presents I received was a stuffed hippopotamus. I like stuffed animals, so this was welcome. Surprisingly, it came in a box with instructions.

It was late and I was tired, so not reading too carefully, until I noticed a warning saying not to exceed “Maximum Power: 800 Watts.” I was confused: how could an innocent stuffed animal have a power setting? Looking further, I noticed the word “microwave.” What was this about?

It turns out this stuffed hippo is a warming device, rather like a hot water bottle. The difference is that its warming component is a beanbag-like thing that is tossed in the microwave: 800 Watts for 30 seconds.

800 Watts for 30 seconds is 24000 Joules, or just under 6 (nutritionist’s) calories.