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A LevelPhysicsEdexcelRevision Notes3. Electric CircuitsCurrent, Potential Difference, Resistance & Power3.7 Electrical Power

Electrical Power (Edexcel A Level Physics)

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Electrical Power

  • Work is also defined as a transfer of energy
  • When components transfer electrical energy to other stores, work must be done because energy is transferred
  • Therefore, potential difference is the work done per unit charge

V italic space italic equals italic space W over Q

  • Current is the rate of flow of charge

I italic space italic equals italic space Q over t

  • These equations can be combined to give the work done by a component in an electric circuit

W space equals space V I t space

  • Power P is defined as:

The rate of doing work

  • In equation form this is

P italic space italic equals italic space W over t

  • This gives us

P italic space italic equals italic space fraction numerator V I t over denominator t end fraction italic space italic equals italic space V I

  • Therefore, the power dissipated (produced) by an electrical device is given by:

Power equation, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • Using V = IR to rearrange for either V or I and substituting into the power equation means we also write power in terms of resistance R

 

Power in terms of resistance, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Power equation in terms of resistance

  • The squared value for both current and voltage in these equations means that, for any given resistance, if the current or voltage doubles, the power will be four times as great
  • Conversely, for a given power, if the resistance doubles then current will be 4 times less but voltage will be 4 times greater

Worked example

Two lamps are connected in series to a 150 V power supply.WE - power question image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesWhich statement is correct?

A.     Both lamps light normally

B.     The 15 V lamp blows

C.     Only the 41 W lamp lights

D.     Both lamps light at less than their normal brightness

ANSWER:  A

Worked example - power (2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

You can use the mnemonic “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Power equals I squared R” to remember whether to multiply or divide by resistance in the power equations.

Which equation to use will depend on whether the value of current or voltage has been given in the question.

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    Joanna

    Author: Joanna

    Expertise: Physics

    Joanna obtained her undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and completed her MSc in Education at Loughborough University. After a decade of teaching and leading the physics department in a high-performing academic school, Joanna now mentors new teachers and is currently studying part-time for her PhD at Leicester University. Her passions are helping students and learning about cool physics, so creating brilliant resources to help with exam preparation is her dream job!