Definition

Noun: - Electric power: The rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It is the product of voltage (the electrical potential difference) and current (the flow of electric charge). It is measured in watts (W).

Usage

Electric power is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering, describing the capacity of an electrical system to do work or supply energy per unit of time. - The electric power supplied to the motor determines its speed and torque. - Calculating the electric power consumption of an appliance requires knowing its voltage and current draw.

Advanced Usage

• Power Factor: In alternating current (AC) circuits, electric power is often discussed in terms of real power (measured in watts), reactive power (measured in volt-amperes reactive, VAR), and apparent power (measured in volt-amperes, VA). The power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power.
  • A low power factor means the electrical system is drawing more current to deliver the same amount of real electric power.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrical power: A common synonym for electric power.
• Power (in electrical context): Often used interchangeably with "electric power" when the context is clear.
  • The grid must supply enough power to meet demand.
• Wattage: The amount of electric power expressed in watts.
  • Check the wattage of the light bulb before replacing it.

Synonyms

• Electrical power
• Wattage (when referring to the measured value)

Related Phrases and Terms

• Power generation: The process of producing electric power.
  • Hydroelectric dams are a major source of power generation.
• Power consumption: The amount of electric power used by a device or system.
  • Modern televisions have much lower power consumption than older models.
• Power grid: The network for delivering electric power from producers to consumers.
  • A storm can cause widespread outages on the power grid.

Noun

1. the product of voltage and current