🔋college physics i – introduction review

Electrical energy

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Electrical energy is the energy derived from electric potential or kinetic energy of charged particles. It can be converted into various forms such as heat, light, and mechanical energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Electrical energy is quantified in joules (J) in the International System of Units (SI).
  2. The law of conservation of energy states that electrical energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
  3. Power, measured in watts (W), is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit.
  4. Ohm's Law relates voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit: $V = IR$.
  5. In alternating current (AC) circuits, electrical energy can be calculated using root mean square (RMS) values for voltage and current.

Review Questions

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