Which formula is used to calculate electrical power in a circuit?

The formula used to calculate electrical power in a circuit is expressed as P = VI, where P represents power measured in watts, V represents voltage measured in volts, and I represents current measured in amperes. This relationship derives from Ohm's Law and the principles governing electric circuits.

When you multiply the voltage (the potential difference) by the current (the flow of electric charge), you arrive at the total power consumed or delivered by the circuit. This fundamental formula illustrates that for a given voltage in a circuit, the power increases linearly with an increase in current.

In practical applications, understanding this formula is crucial for calculating how much energy is being used and can also aid in designing circuits by determining the appropriate specifications for components. For instance, when designing a circuit, knowing the power requirements helps ensure that wiring and other components can handle the expected levels of current and voltage without overheating or failing.

While the other formulas have their uses in calculating different parameters within electrical circuits, they do not directly calculate electrical power as defined by the relationship between voltage and current.