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Find energy supplied by electric current using W = IVt

Grade 10 SABIS

To find the energy supplied by an electric current, the equation W = IVt is utilized, where W represents the energy supplied, I is the current flowing through the circuit, V is the potential difference (voltage) across the circuit, and t is the time for which the current flows.

The equation W = IVt is derived from the fundamental relationship between electrical power, current, voltage, and time. Power (P) is defined as the rate at which energy is transferred or consumed, and it can be calculated as the product of current and voltage, P = IV. Multiplying this power by time (t), we obtain the energy supplied or consumed, which is given by the equation W = IVt.

The unit of current (I) is measured in amperes (A), the unit of voltage (V) is measured in volts (V), and the unit of time (t) is measured in seconds (s).

For example, let's consider a scenario where a circuit has a constant current of 2 amperes (A) flowing through it, a voltage of 12 volts (V) across the circuit, and the current flows for a duration of 10 seconds (s). Using the equation W = IVt, we can calculate the energy supplied as follows:

W = (2 A) * (12 V) * (10 s) = 240 joules (J)

Therefore, in this case, the energy supplied by the electric current is 240 joules (J).

It's important to note that this equation assumes that the current and voltage remain constant during the entire time period. In real-world scenarios, the current and voltage may vary over time, requiring more advanced calculations to determine the total energy supplied.

The equation W = IVt is widely applicable in various electrical systems, such as household circuits, electronic devices, and power grids. It allows for the measurement and calculation of energy consumption or supply, enabling us to understand and analyze the energy usage and requirements of electrical systems.

By utilizing the equation W = IVt, we can quantitatively assess the energy consumed or supplied by an electric current. This information is essential for managing energy resources, estimating costs, and optimizing energy efficiency in various applications.

In summary, finding the energy supplied by an electric current involves using the equation W = IVt, where W represents the energy supplied, I is the current, V is the voltage, and t is the time. By multiplying the current, voltage, and time, we can determine the energy transferred or consumed. Understanding and calculating the energy supplied by electric current are essential in various fields, including electrical engineering, energy management, and sustainable technology.

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