Electricity
Electricity is the form of energy (the ability to do work) that results from charged particles (electrons, protons). Power () from electricity is generated when potential electrical energy, referred to as voltage, is released so that it "flows" through a conductor as a current where it encounters resistance. This flow is mathematically described by Ohm's Law, and the amount of power generated is described by the Watt's Law.
Relationships between Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Watts
Ohm's Law and Watt's Law describe the relationship between volts, amps, ohms and watts as and , respectively. These equations allow for substitutions: for example can be substituted with so that or .
SI Units Used in Electricity
| Name | Symbol | Measures | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampere | Current | ||
| Coulomb | Charge | ||
| Farad | Capacitance | ||
| Henry | Inductance | ||
| Hertz | Frequency | ||
| Ohm | Resistance | ||
| Siemens | Conductance | ||
| Tesla | Magnetic field strength | ||
| Volt | Voltage | ||
| Watt | Power | ||
| Weber | Magnetic flux |
Deeper Knowledge on Electricity
Conductance and Siemens
The ability to conduct to current, measured in siemens
Charge and Coulombs
How force is exerted in electromagnetic field, measured in coulombs
Resistance and Ohms
Opposition to current, measured in ohms
Current and Amperes
The flow of electricity, measured in amps
Voltage and Volts
Electrical potential energy, measured in volts
Electrical Engineering
Build and deconstruct electrically powered devices
Watt's Law (Power Law)
A formula to define the relationship between power, voltage, and current (P=IV)
Ohm's Law
A formula for determining voltage, current, and resistance
Broader Topics Related to Electricity
Physics
The fundamental nature and properties of matter, energy, and motion
Power (Physics)
Energy that results from charged particles