1. What is Power Consumption?

Power consumption refers to the electrical energy used by a device or system over time. It is calculated as the product of voltage and current, representing the rate at which electrical energy is converted into other forms of energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula represents the basic relationship in electrical circuits where power equals the product of voltage and current flowing through a component.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for circuit design, energy consumption estimation, electrical safety, component selection, and energy efficiency optimization in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between power and energy?
A: Power is the rate of energy consumption (watts), while energy is power multiplied by time (watt-hours).

Q2: Can this formula be used for AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits with resistive loads, yes. For reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

Q3: What are typical household appliance power ratings?
A: LED bulbs: 5-20W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 800-1500W.

Q4: How does power relate to electricity cost?
A: Electricity cost = Power (kW) × Time (hours) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh).

Q5: What safety considerations are important?
A: Ensure components can handle calculated power, use proper wiring, and follow electrical codes to prevent overheating and fire hazards.