1. What is the Power Equation?

The fundamental power equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and current. It's one of the basic equations in electrical engineering and physics.

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 equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current. Doubling either voltage or current will double the power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate components, determining energy consumption, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: 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 purely resistive loads.

Q2: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the formula: I = P / V. This is useful for determining current draw of appliances.

Q3: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time. For example, a 100W device running for 10 hours consumes 1000 watt-hours (1 kWh) of energy.

Q4: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: LED bulbs: 5-20W, Laptop: 30-100W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Space heater: 1000-1500W.

Q5: Why is power calculation important for circuit design?
A: It helps determine wire gauge, fuse/breaker sizing, and ensures components can handle the expected power without overheating.