Final answer:
To find the current required for a 1200 watt device at 120 volts, you use the formula I = P / V, resulting in a current of 10 amperes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The current required to operate a device rated for 1200 watts at 120 volts is calculated using the formula P = IV, where P is power in watts, I is current in amperes, and V is voltage in volts. To solve for current, we rearrange the formula to I = P / V. Plugging in the values, we get I = 1200 W / 120 V, which gives us a current requirement of 10 amperes. It is important to note that this calculation assumes an ideal scenario without taking into account power factors or efficiency losses in real-world applications.