Power in Physics and Electricity: Electric Power

Learn about Power in Physics and Electricity with Definition, Unit, Formula, Calculation and Examples.

Here we Learn about Power in Physics and Electricity (Electric Power) with Definition, Unit, Formula, Calculation and Examples.

Definition of Power in Physics or Electric Power

Some of the definition of Power in Terms of Physics and Electricity are:

  1. Electrical Power: The product of voltage and current.
  2. Electric power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. The SI unit of power is the watt.
  3. Electric energy produced per unit time.

Current flowing through a poor conductor produces heat by an effect similar to mechanical friction. That heat represents energy that comes from the charge traveling across the voltage difference.

Remember that separated charges have the potential to do work and provide energy.

The work involved in heating a resistor is not very useful, unless we are making a hotplate; rather it is a byproduct of restricting the current flow.

Power is measured in unit of watts (W), named after James Watt, the Englishman who invented the steam engine, a device for producing lots of useful power.

Formula to Calculate Power in Electricity

The power that is released into the resistor as heat can be calculated as P=VI , where I is the current flowing through the resistor and V is the voltage across it.

Power Formula

Ohm’s law relates these two quantities, so we can also calculate the power as the power produced in a resistor raises its temperature and can change its value or destroy it.

Most resistors are air-cooled and they are made with different power handling capacity. The most common values are 1/8, 1/4, 1, and 2 watt resistors, and the bigger the wattage rating, the bigger the resistor physically.

Some high power applications use special water cooled resistors.

Formula to Calculate Power in Physics

Power is the rate at which work is done.

P = W / T; where P = Power, W = work Done, T = Time Taken to do the Work.

FAQs: Electric Power

Electric power can be calculated using the formula: Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I). This formula takes into account the voltage across a circuit or device and the current flowing through it. For DC circuits, the calculation is straightforward, while for AC circuits, additional considerations like power factor come into play.

AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) are two types of electric power. AC power reverses direction periodically, commonly used in household outlets and power grids. DC power flows in one direction continuously, often used in batteries and electronic devices. AC power is more suitable for long-distance transmission, while DC power is often used for local applications.

Renewable sources of electric power are environmentally friendly and replenishable. They include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and geothermal power. These sources harness natural processes to generate electricity without depleting finite resources or emitting harmful pollutants, contributing to sustainable energy production.

Electric power generation can have varying environmental impacts depending on the energy sources used. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for power generation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to air pollution. Renewable sources like solar and wind have significantly lower environmental footprints, while nuclear power generates low greenhouse gas emissions but poses waste disposal challenges. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources is essential for reducing environmental harm.

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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