Power Equation:
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The power equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and current. It's a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics that describes the rate of energy transfer in an electrical circuit.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current in a circuit.
Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical systems, determining energy consumption, sizing components, and ensuring electrical safety.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are typical power values for household appliances?
A: Small appliances might use 50-500W, while larger ones like ovens or AC units can use 1000-5000W.
Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) is power multiplied by time. For example, a 100W device running for 10 hours uses 1000Wh (1kWh).
Q3: Does this equation work for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, it's straightforward. For AC circuits, you need to consider power factor for accurate real power calculation.
Q4: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (in watts) is the actual power consumed, while apparent power (in VA) is the product of RMS voltage and current.
Q5: How can I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - connect in parallel for voltage measurement and in series for current measurement.