1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation \( P = I^2 \times R \) calculates the power dissipated in a resistor when the current flowing through it and its resistance are known. This is a fundamental equation in electrical engineering and physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (amps)
• \( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)

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

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power dissipation is crucial for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate components, and ensuring safe operation of electronic devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amps and resistance in ohms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the other forms of the power equation?
A: Power can also be calculated as \( P = V \times I \) or \( P = V^2 / R \), where V is voltage.

Q2: What is the unit of power?
A: The SI unit of power is the watt (W), which equals one joule per second.

Q3: Does this equation apply to AC circuits?
A: For AC circuits, this applies to instantaneous power. For average power in AC, you need to consider power factor.

Q4: What happens if power exceeds a component's rating?
A: Components may overheat, degrade, or fail catastrophically if their power rating is exceeded.

Q5: How does temperature affect resistance and power?
A: For most conductors, resistance increases with temperature, which affects power dissipation.