1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) is a fundamental formula in electrical engineering that calculates electrical power from voltage and current. It's part of Ohm's Law and is essential for designing and analyzing electrical circuits.

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 crucial for determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, ensuring circuit safety, and calculating efficiency in electrical systems.

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, 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 formula: I = P / V

Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America, 120V is standard, while many other countries use 230V. Large appliances may use 240V.

Q4: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (in watts) × Time (in hours). For example, a 100W bulb running for 10 hours consumes 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh).

Q5: What's the maximum power a standard 15A circuit can handle?
A: At 120V, a 15A circuit can handle up to 1,800W (120V × 15A = 1,800W).