Electrical Power Formula:
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Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It's measured in watts (W) and represents how much work can be done by the electrical current.
The calculator uses the basic electrical power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current in a circuit.
Details: Calculating electrical power is essential for designing electrical systems, selecting appropriate components, and ensuring safety in electrical installations.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What's the difference between watts and volt-amperes?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amperes represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits but differ in AC circuits due to power factor.
Q2: How does power relate to energy?
A: Power is the rate of energy transfer. Energy (in watt-hours) equals power multiplied by time.
Q3: What affects electrical power in a circuit?
A: Power depends on voltage, current, and in AC circuits, the power factor which accounts for phase difference between voltage and current.
Q4: Why is power calculation important for appliances?
A: It helps determine energy consumption, circuit requirements, and prevents overloading electrical systems.
Q5: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase systems, you need to include the square root of 3 (≈1.732) and power factor in the calculation.