A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Physics & quantities
Electrical power
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Power is the bill for the current’s dance party.
The idea behind the cue
Electrical power delivered to a component is P = VI.
Practice this flashcard →Make it memorable
Short & simple
Power is the bill for the current’s dance party.
Acronym
PVI: Power = Voltage × Current.
Story
Voltage and current co-host a party; their product determines the rate of electrical energy transfer.
Connect the pieces
- P → watts
- V → volts
- I → amperes
Know the limits
Sign conventions distinguish delivered from absorbed power.
OpenStax · college-physics-2e (reference) ↗Check your understanding
A device draws 2 A at 12 V. Its power is:
A. 6 W
B. 14 W
C. 0.17 W
D. 24 W
Reveal explanation
24 W
Electrical power delivered to a component is P = VI.