Electric power

Electric power is defined as the power dissipated by an electric circuit. Electric power is a measurement of the rate at which energy is used over a period of time. The SI unit for power is the watt, the unit for energy is the joule, and the unit for time is the second.

For a direct current circuit, electric power equals the electric current multiplied by the voltage.

When electric current flows through a circuit, it is slowed down by the resistance in the circuit. Devices can convert this current to useful forms of work, such as heat radiation, light emission, mechanical motion, or acoustic vibrations.

 Related pages 
 Electric power transmission
 Electric power distribution
 Electrical generator

References
 Reports on August 2003 Blackout, North American Electric Reliability Council website 



Category:Electricity
Category:Electromagnetism