How would you calculate the power consumed by a device rated at 120V and 5A?

To calculate the power consumed by a device, the relevant formula to use is Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I). In this scenario, the device is rated at 120V and 5A. When you apply this formula, you multiply the voltage (120 volts) by the current (5 amperes), resulting in power consumption of 600 watts (P = 120V × 5A = 600W).

This formula is grounded in the fundamental relationship in electrical theory, where power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It is crucial to understand that power is proportional to both the voltage across the device and the current flowing through it, hence the multiplication.

The other choices do not represent valid calculations for electrical power. The addition of voltage and current does not yield power and is not consistent with electrical principles. Dividing voltage by current would provide resistance (according to Ohm's Law) rather than power. Lastly, dividing current by voltage also does not result in a relevant measure for power and serves no valid purpose in this context. Understanding these relationships is key to effectively working with electrical circuits and devices.