What equation is used to calculate power in watts?

The equation used to calculate power in watts is given by the formula P = V x I, where P represents power, V represents voltage, and I represents current. This relationship is fundamental in the study of electrical circuits and is derived from Ohm's Law, which states that voltage (V) is equal to current (I) times resistance (R).

In this formula, power is calculated as the product of voltage and current, reflecting the rate at which electrical energy is converted into another form of energy, such as heat, light, or mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied across a circuit and current flows, the energy transferred per unit time is what defines power in an electrical context. This equation is crucial for electricians and anyone working with electrical systems, as it helps in evaluating how much power devices will consume or generate.

The other formulas listed do not accurately represent the direct calculation of electrical power: P = I x R relates to the power dissipated across a resistor (not the total power in a circuit), P = V / I rearranges Ohm's Law to find resistance, and P = R x I pertains to resistive heating but does not directly measure total power consumption in a circuit.