Physics
Basic

Electrical Power

Power dissipated in an electrical component.

Formula

P=VI=I2RP = VI = I^2R

Variables

VVoltage
ICurrent
RResistance

Example

A 3 A current at 12 V dissipates P = 12·3 = 36 W.

Did You Know?

P = VI explains why power lines run at extremely high voltage — it lets them carry power with less current and less loss.

electricitypower