Power Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator determines electrical power (in watts) from voltage (volts) and current (amps) using Ohm's Law.
Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts calculate power consumption in electrical circuits.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: Power is calculated by multiplying the voltage across a circuit by the current flowing through it.
Details: Accurate power calculations ensure proper circuit design, prevent overloads, and help estimate energy consumption.
Tips: Enter the voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be > 0.
Q1: What's the difference between volts, amps, and watts?
A: Volts measure electrical potential, amps measure current flow, and watts measure power (rate of energy consumption).
Q2: Can I calculate any two values if I know one?
A: Yes, with any two known values you can calculate the third using variations of the formula.
Q3: What's a typical household voltage?
A: In North America, 120V is standard for most outlets, while 240V is used for large appliances.
Q4: How does this relate to energy costs?
A: Power (watts) multiplied by time gives energy (watt-hours), which utilities use for billing.
Q5: Does this work for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC and resistive AC circuits, yes. For reactive AC loads, power factor must be considered.