What is the relationship between current, voltage, and power in an electric circuit?

Prepare for the GACE Physics Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to help you succeed. Boost your confidence and get ready for the exam!

In an electric circuit, power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. The relationship between current, voltage, and power is expressed by the equation (P = VI), where (P) represents power measured in watts, (V) represents voltage measured in volts, and (I) represents current measured in amperes.

This formula demonstrates how power increases with either an increase in voltage or an increase in current, highlighting the direct proportionality of each factor in contributing to total power in the circuit. For example, if you increase the voltage while keeping the current constant, the power increases; similarly, increasing current while keeping voltage constant will also increase the power.

This equation is fundamental in understanding electrical circuits and is widely used in applications ranging from simple household wiring to complex electrical systems in engineering.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between these electrical quantities. For instance, (P = V/I) incorrectly suggests power decreases with increasing current for a constant voltage, while (P = I/V) indicates a relationship that is not reflective of power calculations. Lastly, (P = V + I) misrepresents the relationship, suggesting addition rather than multiplication as the basis for calculating

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