Power Consumption Formula:
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The fundamental formula for electrical power consumption is P = V × I, where P represents power in watts (W), V represents voltage in volts (V), and I represents current in amperes (A). This equation describes the instantaneous power in an electrical circuit.
The calculator uses the power formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the instantaneous power consumption in an electrical circuit based on the voltage applied and the current flowing through it.
Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, electrical safety assessments, and determining appropriate component ratings in electrical systems.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts (V) and current in amperes (A). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between instantaneous power and average power?
A: Instantaneous power refers to power at a specific moment, while average power is the average over a period of time, especially important in AC circuits.
Q2: Does this formula work for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits and resistive AC circuits, yes. For reactive AC circuits, power factor must be considered.
Q3: How is this related to energy consumption?
A: Energy consumption is power multiplied by time (E = P × t), typically measured in watt-hours or kilowatt-hours.
Q4: What are typical power values in household appliances?
A: Small electronics: 5-50W, Lighting: 10-100W, Kitchen appliances: 500-2000W, Heating: 1000-5000W.
Q5: How does this relate to Ohm's Law?
A: When combined with Ohm's Law (V = I × R), power can also be calculated as P = I² × R or P = V² / R.