Power in a Circuit

Definition

Power in a circuit refers to the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or consumed. It is calculated by multiplying the voltage across a component by the current flowing through it.

Analogy

Think of power in a circuit like the speed of water flowing through a pipe. The voltage is like the pressure pushing the water, and the current is like the amount of water flowing. The power is then equivalent to how fast the water can do work, such as turning a turbine.

Related terms

Resistance: Resistance in a circuit refers to how much opposition there is to the flow of electric current. It determines how much voltage is needed for a given amount of current.

Ohm's Law: Ohm's Law states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across those two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance between them.

Electric Energy: Electric energy refers to the ability of an electric charge to do work. It can be converted into other forms of energy, such as light or heat.