GCSE Physics Revision — Electric Power
Revise Electric Power for GCSE Physics with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Electric Power?
Electric power is the rate at which an electrical appliance transfers energy. It is calculated by multiplying the potential difference across the appliance by the current flowing through it (P=VI). Power is measured in Watts (W). Appliances with a higher power rating transfer more energy per second.
Board notes: A core topic for all GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The different power equations are important for Higher Tier.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
A kettle with a resistance of 23Ω is connected to the 230V UK mains supply. What is its power rating? Solution: Using P = V²/R. P = (230V)² / 23Ω = 52900 / 23 = 2300W or 2.3kW.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing power with energy. Power is the rate of energy transfer, not the amount of energy itself.
- 2Using the wrong formula. There are three key formulas for electric power: P = VI, P = I²R, and P = V²/R. You need to choose the correct one based on the information given.
- 3Forgetting to use standard units. Voltage must be in Volts, current in Amps, and resistance in Ohms to get power in Watts.
Electric Power exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate the energy transferred by an appliance?
The energy transferred is calculated by: Energy (J) = Power (W) x Time (s). Electrical energy is often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for billing purposes.
What is the purpose of a fuse?
A fuse is a safety device containing a wire designed to melt and break the circuit if the current exceeds a safe level. The power rating of an appliance determines the correct fuse to use.