Calculation requires an understanding of the mathematical and scientific concepts related to Watt’s law and to power. Calculation should include
- defining the terms of the equation for Ohm's law and Watt's law:
- Ohm's law: E = IR; I = E/R; R = E/I
- Watt’s law: P = IE; I = P/E; E = P/I
- describing the basic scientific principle that if resistance to current flow stays the same and the voltage pressure increases, the current flow rate must also increase
- using the same value components that are physically installed in the circuit
- retaining at least three significant figures (i.e., decimal places) on all measurements
- reconciling differences between computed and measured values (often attributable to rounding errors).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is the formula for calculating a series circuit?
- What is the formula for calculating a parallel circuit?
- What measuring devices enable these calculations?