Power
Definition
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred in a circuit. It is measured in watts (W) and can be calculated by multiplying voltage and current.
Analogy
Think of power as the speed at which your phone charges. A higher power charger will transfer energy to your phone faster, just like a higher power circuit can deliver more electrical energy per unit time.
Related terms
Energy: Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. In an electrical circuit, power represents how quickly energy is being transferred.
Efficiency: Efficiency measures how effectively a device or system converts input energy into useful output energy. It is calculated by dividing the useful output power by the input power.
Series Circuit: A series circuit is a type of circuit where components are connected one after another along a single path. The same current flows through each component, and the total resistance equals the sum of individual resistances.
"Power" appears in:
Subjects (13)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.