What electrical property is essential for determining the heating capability of an electric heater?

The heating capability of an electric heater depends on all three electrical properties: voltage, resistance, and current.

Voltage is the potential difference that pushes electrical current through the circuit, while current is the flow of electric charge. Resistance, on the other hand, is the opposition to this flow of current. The relationship between these three properties is governed by Ohm's Law, which states that voltage equals current multiplied by resistance (V = I × R).

The heating effect in an electric heater is primarily the result of electrical energy being converted into thermal energy as current passes through the resistance of the heating element. The power (or heating capability) of the heater can be calculated using the formula ( P = V \times I ) or ( P = \frac{V^2}{R} ) or ( P = I^2 \times R ), illustrating that power is directly affected by each of these properties.

Thus, understanding and considering voltage, resistance, and current together allows for a comprehensive assessment of an electric heater's heating capability, leading to the conclusion that all three properties are essential.