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Calculate Watts from Volts and Resistance

Power Formula:

\[ P = \frac{V^2}{R} \]

volts
ohms
watts

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1. What is the Power Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes electrical power (in watts) from voltage and resistance using Ohm's Law.

Purpose: It helps electrical engineers, technicians, and hobbyists determine power dissipation in circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ P = \frac{V^2}{R} \]

Where:

Explanation: The voltage squared is divided by the resistance to calculate the power dissipated in the circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Proper power calculation ensures circuit components are properly sized and prevents overheating or damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and resistance in ohms. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if resistance is zero?
A: The calculation becomes undefined (division by zero), which represents a short circuit condition.

Q2: Does this work for AC circuits?
A: Yes, if you use RMS voltage values for AC circuits.

Q3: How does this relate to Ohm's Law?
A: This is derived from Ohm's Law (V = IR) combined with the power formula (P = VI).

Q4: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: This calculates real power for DC circuits. For AC, apparent power includes a power factor.

Q5: Can I calculate current from this?
A: Not directly, but you can derive current using I = V/R if needed.

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