Power Equation:
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The power equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power in watts from voltage (volts) and current (amps). It's a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows the direct proportional relationship between power, voltage, and current in an electrical circuit.
Details: Calculating power is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, energy consumption estimation, and proper sizing of electrical components.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.
Q1: Can I calculate power from volts and ohms?
A: Yes, using P = V²/R where R is resistance in ohms.
Q2: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts measure real power, while volt-amps measure apparent power (important in AC circuits with reactive components).
Q3: How many watts is 120 volts at 15 amps?
A: 1800 watts (120 × 15 = 1800).
Q4: Is this calculation valid for both AC and DC?
A: For DC and AC resistive loads, yes. For reactive AC loads, power factor must be considered.
Q5: Why is power important in electrical systems?
A: It determines energy consumption, heat generation, and required capacity of electrical components.