How is power calculated in an electrical circuit?

Power in an electrical circuit is calculated using the formula P = VI, where P represents power (in watts), V represents voltage (in volts), and I represents current (in amperes). This formula reflects the relationship between voltage, current, and power in a circuit, showing that power is equal to the product of voltage and current.

This formula is based on the fundamental principles of Ohm’s Law and electrical power. If you increase either the voltage or the current in a circuit while keeping the other constant, the total power will also increase. Essentially, this formula allows for a straightforward calculation of power, which is crucial for understanding how much energy is being consumed or produced in an electrical system.

The other formulas provided involve either resistance or re-arrangements less relevant for directly calculating power. For instance, P = R/I and P = I/R do not accurately represent the basic relationship needed when defining power in terms of voltage and current. Each of these alternatives, while interesting, misrepresents how power is fundamentally calculated from the primary variables involved in an electrical circuit.