1. What is the Power Equation?

The fundamental power equation (P = V × I) describes the relationship between voltage, current, and power in electrical circuits. It's a basic principle 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: The power in a circuit is equal to the product of the voltage across the circuit and the current flowing through it.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for circuit design, determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, and ensuring safety 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: Can this be used for AC circuits?
A: This simple formula works for DC circuits. For AC circuits, you need to consider power factor for accurate calculations.

Q2: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America, 120V is standard, while many other countries use 230V. Large appliances may use 240V.

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 1,000 watt-hours (1 kWh).

Q4: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts measure real power, while volt-amps measure apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits or AC circuits with unity power factor.

Q5: How can I calculate current from power and voltage?
A: Rearrange the formula: I = P / V. This is useful for determining circuit breaker sizes needed for appliances.