1. What is Power Dissipation in a Resistor?

Power dissipation in a resistor refers to the process by which electrical energy is converted to heat energy when current flows through a resistor. This is an important consideration in circuit design to prevent overheating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power dissipation formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power dissipated (watts)
• \( I \) — Current through resistor (amps)
• \( R \) — Resistance (ohms)

Explanation: The power dissipated by a resistor is proportional to the square of the current flowing through it and its resistance value.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power dissipation is crucial for selecting resistors with appropriate power ratings and ensuring components don't overheat in electronic circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amps and resistance in ohms. All values must be positive numbers. The result shows the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does power depend on current squared?
A: Because both voltage drop across the resistor and current through it are proportional to current (P=VI, and V=IR), resulting in P=I²R.

Q2: What happens if power exceeds resistor rating?
A: The resistor may overheat, potentially causing failure, fire hazard, or circuit malfunction.

Q3: Can I use this for AC circuits?
A: Yes, for purely resistive loads, use RMS current values in AC circuits.

Q4: How does this relate to Ohm's Law?
A: This is derived from the basic power formula P=VI combined with Ohm's Law V=IR.

Q5: What about parallel/series resistor networks?
A: Calculate equivalent resistance first, then use total current through the network.