Electrical Circuit Basics

Sep 29, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers circuit analysis using Ohm's Law, power calculations, energy usage billing, and efficiency in electrical systems through practical example problems.

Ohm's Law and Current Calculation

  • Ohm's Law: V = I × R, where V is voltage, I is current, R is resistance.
  • To find current: I = V / R.
  • Example: For V = 16 V and R = 2,000 Ω, I = 0.008 A or 8 mA.

Power Calculation

  • Power formula: P = V × I, where P is power in watts.
  • Example: For V = 120 V and I = 5 A, P = 600 W.

Using VI Relationships and Resistance

  • For given voltage and current, power: P = V × I.
  • Example: With V = 120 V and I = 0.625 A, P = 75 W.
  • Resistance formula: R = V / I.
  • Example: R = 120 V / 0.625 A = 192 Ω.

Energy Usage and Billing

  • Energy usage (in kilowatt-hours) = current meter reading − previous reading.
  • Example: 5,360 kWh − 4,650 kWh = 710 kWh used.
  • Cost = energy used × unit cost.
  • Example: 710 kWh × $0.11 = $78.10.

Motor Efficiency and Input Power

  • Efficiency formula: efficiency = output power / input power.
  • To get input power: input = output / efficiency.
  • Convert horsepower to watt (1 HP = 746 W), so 2 HP = 1,492 W.
  • If efficiency = 75%, input = 1,492 W / 0.75 ≈ 1,989 W.
  • To find current: I = P / V.
  • Example: I = 1,989 W / 220 V ≈ 9 A.

System Efficiency (Cascaded Components)

  • Overall efficiency = efficiency₁ × efficiency₂ × efficiency₃.
  • Multiply component efficiencies (as decimals) to get total system efficiency.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Ohm's Law — V = I × R, relation between voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Power (P) — Rate at which energy is used, P = V × I.
  • Resistance (R) — Opposition to current, measured in ohms (Ω).
  • Efficiency — Ratio of output power to input power, usually as a percent.
  • Kilowatt-hour (kWh) — Unit of energy consumption.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice similar circuit and power problems.
  • Review assigned textbook sections on Ohm's Law, power, and efficiency.
  • Prepare questions for clarification on next class.