1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (W = I × V) calculates electrical power in watts from current and voltage. This fundamental relationship in electrical engineering is known as Joule's first law or the electrical power formula.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)

Explanation: The power in a circuit is equal to the product of the current flowing through it and the voltage across it.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical circuits, determining energy consumption, selecting appropriate components, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical household current and voltage values?
A: In most countries, standard household voltage is 120V or 230V. Current depends on the appliance (e.g., 5A for a small device, 15A for larger appliances).

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) = Power (W) × Time (hours). Power calculation is the first step in determining energy usage.

Q3: Can I use this for DC and AC circuits?
A: This simple formula works for DC circuits. For AC circuits, you need to consider power factor for accurate calculations.

Q4: What's the difference between watts and volt-amperes?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amperes represent apparent power. They're equal in purely resistive DC circuits.

Q5: How do I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Rearrange the formula: I = W / V. Similarly, V = W / I.