How do you calculate the total power in a resistive AC circuit?

How do you calculate the total power in a resistive AC circuit?

Correct Answer: P = V * I * cos(φ)

Step 1: Identify the voltage (V) in the circuit. This is the electrical potential difference measured in volts.
Step 2: Identify the current (I) flowing through the circuit. This is the flow of electric charge measured in amperes.
Step 3: Determine the phase angle (φ) between the voltage and current. In a purely resistive circuit, this angle is 0 degrees, so cos(φ) = 1.
Step 4: Use the formula P = V * I * cos(φ) to calculate the total power. Since cos(φ) is 1 in a resistive circuit, the formula simplifies to P = V * I.

Power Calculation in AC Circuits – Understanding how to calculate total power using voltage, current, and the phase angle in an AC circuit.
Resistive vs. Reactive Loads – Recognizing that in a purely resistive circuit, the phase angle (φ) is zero, simplifying the power calculation.