1. What is the Power Equation?

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 describes the relationship between these three basic electrical quantities.

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: The 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 amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can this be used for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, yes. For AC circuits, this gives apparent power; true power requires considering 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 purely resistive loads.

Q3: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time. For example, 100 watts for 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh).

Q4: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America: 120V for most outlets, 240V for large appliances. Europe/Asia: typically 220-240V.

Q5: How can I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter - voltage is measured in parallel with the circuit, current is measured in series.