Introduction:
An electric heater converts electrical energy into heat energy. It consists of a heating element, which is usually made of a resistive material such as nichrome wire. When an electric current passes through the heating element, it produces heat. The amount of electrical energy consumed by an electric heater depends on various factors, including the length of the heating element.

Explanation:
The length of the heating element in an electric heater affects the amount of electrical energy consumed per second. Let's consider the two scenarios:

1. Longer heating element:
- In an electric heater with a longer heating element, the resistive material has a larger length.
- The resistance of the heating element is directly proportional to its length. Therefore, a longer heating element has a higher resistance.
- According to Ohm's law (V = IR), where V is the voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance, the current passing through the heating element would be lower if the resistance is higher.
- As a result, the power consumed by the heating element (P = IV) would be lower, and consequently, the electrical energy consumed per second would also be lower.

2. Shorter heating element:
- In an electric heater with a shorter heating element, the resistive material has a smaller length.
- The resistance of the heating element is directly proportional to its length. Therefore, a shorter heating element has a lower resistance.
- According to Ohm's law (V = IR), where V is the voltage, I is the current, and R is the resistance, the current passing through the heating element would be higher if the resistance is lower.
- As a result, the power consumed by the heating element (P = IV) would be higher, and consequently, the electrical energy consumed per second would also be higher.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, an electric heater will consume more electrical energy per second when the length of its heating element is reduced. This is because a shorter heating element has a lower resistance, allowing a higher current to pass through it, resulting in a higher power consumption.