Basic Aircraft Maintenance Training: Power

What is the correct formula to calculate power in an electrical circuit?

How many watts are equivalent to 1 horsepower?

If 600 J of energy is consumed in 15 seconds, what is the power in watts?

Which unit of power is equivalent to 1 million watts?

What is the rate of energy conversion defined as?

Power in an Electrical Circuit

Power measures the rate of energy consumption or conversion in a system, applicable to both mechanical and electrical systems.
The formula for power is expressed as: P = E / t, where:
- P = Power (Watts)
- E = Energy (Joules)
- t = Time (Seconds)
Power is quantified in watts (W), equivalent to 1 joule per second of energy conversion.
Example calculation: If 300 J of energy is consumed in 10 seconds, power is calculated as:
- P = 300 J / 10 s = 30 W
The term "watt" is named after James Watt, who measured the power output of a horse to evaluate steam engine performance.
One horsepower (hp) is defined as the ability to move 33,000 pounds by 1 foot in 1 minute, which translates to 550 ft-lb/sec.
For electrical systems, an electric motor rated at 1 horsepower requires 746 watts of electrical energy.
Common derived units of power include:
- Milliwatt (mW): 1 W = 1000 mW
- Kilowatt (kW): 1 kW = 1000 W
- Megawatt (MW): 1 MW = 1,000,000 W
- Gigawatt (GW): 1 GW = 1,000,000,000 W

Dive into the essential concepts of power in electrical circuits within aircraft maintenance. This quiz explores the fundamentals of power and energy consumption, crucial for understanding both mechanical and electrical systems. Gain insights into DC circuits and their applications in aviation.