1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) is a fundamental formula in electrical engineering that relates power (P) to voltage (V) and current (I). It states that power in watts equals voltage in volts multiplied by current in amperes.

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 is derived from the basic principles of electricity and is valid for DC circuits and AC circuits with purely resistive loads.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical systems, determining energy consumption, selecting appropriate components, 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: Does this equation work for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits with purely resistive loads, yes. For reactive loads (inductive or capacitive), 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 does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time. For example, 100W for 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh).

Q4: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the formula: I = P / V.

Q5: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America, 120V is standard for most outlets, while Europe uses 230V. Large appliances may use 240V.