How is total power consumption in a circuit calculated?

The total power consumption in a circuit is calculated using the formula where power (P) is equal to voltage (V) multiplied by current (I), which is expressed mathematically as P = V × I. This relationship is derived from Ohm's Law and is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering.

In this formula, voltage represents the potential difference that drives the current through the circuit, and current refers to the flow of electric charge. When you multiply these two quantities, you obtain the total power consumed by the electrical device or circuit in watts, which quantifies how much energy is being used per unit of time.

Understanding this formula is crucial because it allows engineers and electricians to calculate the energy requirements of devices and to design circuits that can handle the expected power loads without overheating or failing. It is universally applicable in both AC and DC circuits, making it a cornerstone of electrical theory.