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 relates these three basic electrical quantities.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current. Doubling either voltage or current will double the power.
Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate components, determining energy consumption, and ensuring electrical safety.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.
Q1: What's the difference between watts, volts, and amps?
A: Volts measure electrical potential, amps measure current flow, and watts measure power (rate of energy transfer).
Q2: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the equation: I = P / V.
Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America, 120V is standard. In Europe and many other regions, 230V is standard.
Q4: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours). This is what utility companies bill you for.
Q5: What's the power factor and why isn't it included?
A: This simple formula assumes purely resistive loads. For AC circuits with reactive components, power factor becomes important (P = V × I × PF).