What is the unit of measurement for power in a DC circuit?

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Power in a DC circuit is measured in watts. This is a fundamental unit in electrical engineering that quantifies the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or converted. One watt is defined as one joule per second, meaning it reflects the amount of energy consumed or produced in a circuit over a specified time period.

In a DC circuit, power can be calculated using Ohm's law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance. The relationship can be expressed as:

  • Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I)

This equation succinctly shows how power is derived from the two primary electrical parameters: voltage and current. Thus, when you consider the conversion of electrical energy into other forms (such as heat in a resistor), the watt becomes a critical measurement in understanding circuit behavior, efficiency, and performance.

The other choices represent different electrical parameters: volts measure electric potential, ohms measure resistance, and joules measure energy. While they each play a role in electrical circuits, none describe the rate of work done or energy transferred like watts do.

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