When current
passes through a resistor, electrical energy is converted into heat.
This heat is DISSIPATED into the surrounding air. The rate at which this dissipation occurs is called POWER and is measured in WATTS. The amount of power can be calculated by using one of three methods. (1) Power = V
x I watts
If we place a 10 ohm resistor across a 20 volt battery then Ohms law says that I = V/R = 20/2 =2 amps will flow. Using (1)
Using (2)
using (3)
Using three different formulae we still arrive at the same answer. We know that
power is the rate at which energy is used.
Joules = watts x seconds, therefore watts = joules/seconds. A 1000 watt fire
will dissipate 1000 joules per second.
The electric
meter in your house measures UNITS of electricity.
It is kilowatts x hours. A 100 watt (0.1 kilowatts) lamp left on for 24 hours uses 0.1 x 24 = 2.4 units. You or your parents
are charged by the unit.
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