1. What is the Power Equation?

The basic electrical power equation relates voltage, current, and power in a DC circuit. It states that power (in watts) equals voltage (in volts) multiplied by current (in amps).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in Watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in Volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in Amperes (A)

Explanation: This fundamental equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, and ensuring circuit safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits with purely resistive loads, yes. For reactive loads, you need to consider power factor.

Q2: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amps represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or AC circuits with unity power factor.

Q3: How do I calculate energy consumption?
A: Multiply power (watts) by time (hours) to get watt-hours. Divide by 1000 for kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Q4: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America, 120V is standard for most outlets, while Europe uses 230V. Large appliances may use 240V.

Q5: How does this relate to Ohm's Law?
A: Ohm's Law (V = I × R) can be combined with the power equation to derive P = V²/R or P = I²R.