Power Equation:
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The power equation \( W = \frac{V^2}{R} \) calculates electrical power in watts from voltage and resistance. It's derived from combining Ohm's Law and the basic power formula.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The power dissipated in a resistor is proportional to the square of the voltage across it and inversely proportional to its resistance.
Details: Calculating power is essential for circuit design, determining component ratings, and ensuring electrical safety by preventing overheating.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts and resistance in ohms. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.
Q1: Can this formula be used for AC circuits?
A: Yes, but for AC you would typically use RMS voltage values for accurate power calculations.
Q2: What if I know current instead of resistance?
A: You can use \( W = V \times I \) if you know current (I) instead of resistance.
Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: Small electronics might be 5-50W, while large appliances can be 1000W or more.
Q4: How does power relate to energy?
A: Power is the rate of energy use. Energy (in watt-hours) = Power × Time.
Q5: Why does power increase with voltage squared?
A: Because both current and voltage increase with higher voltage (per Ohm's Law), and power is voltage × current.