1. What is the Electrical Power Equation?

The electrical power equation (P = V × I) calculates power in watts from voltage and current. It's a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics that relates these three basic electrical quantities.

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 equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current. Doubling either voltage or current will double the power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: For DC circuits and purely resistive AC loads, watts and volt-amps are equal. For reactive loads, they differ due to power factor.

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (in watt-hours) is power multiplied by time. For example, 100W for 10 hours = 1000 watt-hours (1 kWh).

Q3: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, rearrange the formula: I = P / V. Similarly, V = P / I.

Q4: What about three-phase power?
A: Three-phase power uses a different formula: P = √3 × V × I × PF (where PF is power factor).

Q5: Why is power important for circuit design?
A: Components must be rated for the power they'll handle. Excessive power can cause overheating and failure.