Electrical Parameters Explained: Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Power Calculation

Electrical systems operate based on fundamental parameters that define how electricity flows and interacts with various components. The key electrical parameters include voltage, current, resistance, and power. Let's explore each of these in detail.

ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS:

a) Electrical Voltage

Voltage is the electrical force that moves electrons through a conductor. It is also called Electro Motive Force (EMF) as it pushes electrons within a circuit. The unit of voltage is volts (V).

Example: A 230V power supply provides the force needed to operate household electrical appliances.

b) Electric Current

Electric current is the flow rate of electrons through a conductor. It is measured in Amperes (A).

Example: When you switch on a fan, an electric current flows through the circuit, powering the motor inside.

c) Resistance

Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. It determines how much the current is restricted as it flows through a material. The unit of resistance is Ohm (Ω).

The relationship between Voltage (V), Current (I), and Resistance (R) is given by Ohm’s Law:

Resistance R = V/I

Example: A long and thin wire has higher resistance than a short and thick wire.

2. Electrical Power

Power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred, used, or transformed in a circuit. The unit of power is Watts (W).

Types of Electrical Power

Electrical power is classified into two types: DC power and AC power.

1) DC Power (Direct Current)

Direct current (DC) flows in a single direction without changing polarity. It is produced by sources like batteries, solar panels, and thermocouples.

DC power remains constant and is used in electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops.

For a resistor in a DC circuit, power is calculated as:

𝑃=𝑉×𝐼

Example: A 12V battery supplying a 1A current to a circuit results in P = 12 × 1 = 12W of power.

2) AC Power (Alternating Current)

Alternating current (AC) flows in both directions, changing polarity at regular intervals. Most household and industrial power supplies use AC power, as it can be easily transmitted over long distances using transformers.

AC power constantly changes between positive (+) and negative (-) values.

AC power is commonly used in household appliances like refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners.

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