Module 1

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL POWER

General Objectives:

1. Understand the concept of electrical power.

2. Apply the formulas for calculating electrical power in different situations.
3. Appreciate the role of electrical power in real-world applications.

Specific Objectives:

1. Define electrical power, voltage, and current. (Cognitive)

2. Solve problems using the power formulas: P = IV, P = I2R, and 𝑃 =
𝑉2

.(Psychomotor)
3. Recognize the importance of electrical power in daily life.

(Affective) Materials: Calculator, Power meter, Electical components,

Wires, Resistors. References:

 BYJU's. (n.d.). Electric power: Definition, formula, solved examples.

BYJU's. https://byjus.com/physics/electric-power/#power-energy-
formula
 BYJU's. (n.d.). Electrical energy and power.
BYJU's. https://byjus.com/physics/electrical-
energy-and-power/
 Science and Fun. (2023, April 3). Electric power explained - Equation, types,
and examples. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-
SCyD7f_zI

Science Concepts in Focus

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 1

1. Electrical Power - is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by
an electric circuit to a different form of energy, such as heat, light, or
mechanical work.
 It is calculated using this primary formula:
P = IV
Where:
P is power (watts),
V is voltage (volts),
I is current (amperes).
 Since power is the rate of energy consumption, energy can

𝐄
directly be calculated using:

𝑷=
𝒕
Where:
E is the energy consumption (in Joules),
t is the time in seconds.

𝐕𝐐
 The rate of energy also written like this:

𝑷=
𝒕
Where:
E is the energy consumption (in Joules),
t is the time in seconds,
Q is the charge (in Coulombs).

2. Voltage (V ) - The electrical pressure from a power source drives

charged electrons through a closed loop of a circuit, allowing them to
perform tasks like turning on a light.
3. Power (P ) - The rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric
circuit.
4. Current (I ) - is the rate at which electrons move through a specific point
in a complete electrical circuit.
5. Power loss in a Resistor - electrical energy flows through a resistor,
some of it is converted into heat. This is known as power loss, which
occurs due to the resistance opposing the flow of current.

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 2

  It is calculated using this primary formula:

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 3

 P = IV = I2 𝑹 =
𝑽𝟐

6. Resistance (R ) - A material's opposition to the flow of electric current.

7. Thermal Energy Generated in a Resistor - A resistor's power loss is
precisely proportional to the thermal energy it generates. Because
electrons and atoms collide as current passes through a resistor, the
resistance heat up.
 It is calculated using this primary formula:
P = IV = I2R

Mathink

1. Multiplication of Variables - refers to the process of multiplying two or

more variables to obtain the product. In the context of electrical power,
the multiplication of voltage (V ) and current (I ) gives us power (P ),
indicating that power increases as either voltage or current increases.
y = a * b = 3 * 4 = 12
P = VI
2. Ohm’s Law (Linear Relationship) - Linear relationships describe how one
quantity changes in direct proportion to another. Ohm's Law illustrates
this concept in electrical circuits, where voltage is directly proportional
to current.
y = mx + b
V = IR
3. Quadratic Equation - involve variables raised to the second power,
showing relationships where one quantity significantly impacts
another.
y = ax2 +bx + c
P = I 2R

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 4

4. Logarithmic Functions - enables us to understand variations in power
levels in a way that is intuitive and practical.
PdB = 10 log (P/P0)

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 5

 Example: P = 100 watts at P0 = 1watt
PdB = 10 log (100/1) = 10 log(100) = 10 x 2 =
20dB

Apply it!
Activity # 1
Exploring Electrical
Power

Objectives:

1. Calculate electrical power using different formulas and methods.

2. Understand the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.
3. Visualize electrical circuits and power consumption through
graphical representation.

Materials: Graphing paper or graphing notebook, Ruler, Pen, Calculator and

Circuit simulation software (battery, resistor, ammeter, voltmeter)
Procedures
A. Circuit Simulation Method
Given: A simple circuit with a resistor, a voltage source, and measured values.
Set up your circuit using the provided components (battery, resistor). Use the
following specifications:
1. Set up your circuit using the provided components (battery,
resistor). Use the following specifications:
 Voltage (V) = 12 V
 Resistance (R) = 4 Ω
2. Measure the current (I) using the ammeter in the circuit. Record the value.
3. Calculate the power (P) using the formula:
P = VI
4. Graph: Draw a simple diagram of the circuit and label all
components and measured values.
Graph the power consumed by circuit is .

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 6

 B. Ohm’s Law Triangle Method
Given: Ohm's Law states the relationship between voltage, current, and
resistance.
1. Draw the Ohm’s Law Triangle:
 At the top, write V (Voltage).
 On the bottom left, write I (Current).
 On the bottom right, write R (Resistance).

Figure 1. Ohm’s Law

2. Use the triangle to calculate the missing variable based on your

circuit. If the current measured is 3 A, calculate the voltage and
resistance.
3. Complete the table below using the Ohm's Law triangle:
Variable Value
Voltage (V)
Current (I) 3A
Resistance (R)

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 7

 C. Power Calculation through Multiple Resistors
Scenario: You have a circuit with two resistors in series and one in parallel.
1. Calculate the total resistance (Rt) of the circuit, given:
 Resistor (R1) = 5 Ω
 Resistor (R2) = 6 Ω
 Resistor (R3) = 2 Ω
2. Use the formula for series and parallel combinations:
 Series: Rt = R1 + R2 +R3

= + 𝑅2
 Parallel:
1
1
1
𝑅𝑡 𝑅
1
3. Calculate the power use by the circuit if connected to a 12 V battery:

𝑃 =𝑉
2

𝑅
4. Complete the table below with your findings:
Variable Total Resistance (Ω) Power (W)
Series: Rt = R1 + R2

Parallel: 1 = 1 +
1
+R3

𝑅𝑡 𝑅1 𝑅2

Graph: Create a bar graph comparing the power consumed in each configuration.

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 8

 Try it out!

Direction: Given the following electrical circuits, solve for the total power
consumed using either the series or parallel method. Verify your answer
using the component method.
1. Circuit 1:

Resistor R1 = 4 Ω with a voltage of V1 = 12V (connected in series).

Resistor R1 = 6 Ω with a voltage of V1 = 12V (connected in series).
2. Circuit 2:

Resistor R1 = 4 Ω with a voltage of V1 = 9V (connected in parallel).

Resistor R1 = 7 Ω with a voltage of V2 = 9V (connected in parallel).

Resistor R1 = 2 Ω with a voltage of V3 = 9V (connected in parallel).

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 9

 Hammer and Nailed it!

Direction: Read the following statements carefully. Write the letter of your
answer in the space provided before each number.
1. Which of the following statements is TRUE about electrical power?
A. Power is the rate at which energy is consumed or produced.
B. Voltage and current are the same concepts.
C. Power is measured in volts.
D. Electrical power can only be calculated with direct current.
2. Which equation shows individual resistor voltage drop?
A. VxR
B. I2 x R.
C. V x I.
D. IxR
3. Power is defined as:
A. The rate at which work is done C. The conversion of energy
B. Work D. Force
4. It determines the total resistance in a series circuit?
A. The largest resistor
B. The sum of the resistor
C. the largest resistor minus the smaller
D. the smallest resistor
5. Which equation shows the resistance total in parallel circuit
A. Rt = R1 + R2 + R3
B. Rt = (R1 + R2 + R3)/3
C. Rt = 1/ R1 + R2 + R3
D. none of the above
6. If a device consumes 1500W of power and operates for 2 hours,
how much energy (in kilowatt-hours) does it use?
A. 2.5 kWh B. 3.0 kWh C. 3.5 kWh D. 4.0 kWh

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 10

 7. In a parallel circuit with two resistors (4Ω and 6Ω), what is
the total resistance?
A. 2.4Ω C. 10Ω
B. 2Ω D. 24Ω
8. If a circuit consists of a 12V battery and two resistors of 4Ω
and 8Ω in series, what is the total current flowing through the
circuit?
A. 0.5 A C. 1.5 A

B. 1 A D. 2 A
9. What is the unit of electrical power?
A. Ampere B. VoltC. Ohm D. Watt
10. If a circuit has a voltage of 10V and a current of 2A, what is
the power consumed?
A. 5W B. 20W C. 30W D. 40W

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 11

General Objectives:
Students will:
1. Understand the concept of electrical power and its relationship to voltage, current,
and resistance.
2. Learn to apply electrical power formulas to solve real-world circuit problems.
3. Appreciate the importance of electrical power in energy consumption and
conservation in various systems.
Specific Objectives:
1. Cognitive:
 Define electrical power and explain its calculation using P = VI and P = I2R
 Describe the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in terms of
power consumption.
 Identify real-life applications of electrical power in household devices, energy-saving
technologies, etc.
2. Psychomotor:
 Solve problems involving power, voltage, current, and resistance in different circuit
setups.
 Measure electrical power using ammeters and voltmeters in practical activities.
 Perform experiments to calculate power in simple circuits, confirming theoretical
calculations.
3. Affective:
 Appreciate the role of electrical power in promoting energy efficiency and
sustainability.
 Develop awareness about responsible energy use, and its impact on society and the
environment.
Curriculum Guide:
Science:
Grade 7 (Matatag Curriculum):
o Understand energy transformations in electrical circuits.
Grade 8-10 (K-12 Curriculum):
o Apply Ohm’s Law and power calculations in series and parallel circuits, explaining
their real-world relevance in energy consumption.

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 12

Mathematics:
Grade 8-10 (K-12 Curriculum):
o Use algebraic expressions to manipulate power equations, solve problems involving
power, voltage, and current, and interpret graphs showing power vs. time or energy
consumption.

PHYSICS FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS (MATH 117) SY 2024 - 2025 13