Electrical power
Also: electric power
The rate at which a circuit element receives or delivers electrical energy.
Using passive sign convention, p = vi is absorbed power; resistor dissipation can be written I²R or V²/R.
- Units
- watt (W)
- Formula
P = VI = I²R = V²/R (resistor)
Example A 5 V load at 0.4 A absorbs 2 W.
Common misconception A component's maximum power rating is not its normal operating consumption.