Electrical Power Formula:
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Definition: This calculator computes the electrical power in watts based on voltage and current using Ohm's Law.
Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and students determine the power consumption or generation in electrical circuits.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives the rate of energy transfer in an electrical circuit.
Details: Proper power calculation ensures correct circuit design, appropriate component selection, and energy efficiency.
Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC circuits, this formula works directly. For AC circuits, you may need to consider power factor (cos φ).
Q2: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - connect in parallel for voltage measurement and in series for current measurement.
Q3: What if I know resistance instead of current?
A: You can use alternative formulas: \( P = V^2/R \) or \( P = I^2 \times R \).
Q4: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America it's 120V, while many other countries use 230V as standard.
Q5: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.