Energy Consumption Formula:
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Energy consumption calculation determines the amount of energy used by an electrical device over a specific period. It's measured in joules (J) and helps understand power usage efficiency and costs.
The calculator uses the energy consumption formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts power usage over time into energy consumption, accounting for the conversion from hours to seconds since 1 watt = 1 joule/second.
Details: Calculating energy consumption is essential for estimating electricity costs, evaluating energy efficiency of appliances, and understanding environmental impact of power usage.
Tips: Enter power consumption in watts and time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute energy consumption in joules.
Q1: Why multiply by 3600 in the formula?
A: Since 1 watt = 1 joule/second, we multiply by 3600 to convert hours to seconds (60 seconds × 60 minutes = 3600 seconds/hour).
Q2: How can I convert joules to kilowatt-hours?
A: Divide joules by 3,600,000 (since 1 kWh = 3,600,000 J). This conversion is useful for electricity billing.
Q3: What's a typical energy consumption for household appliances?
A: It varies widely: LED bulb (10W) uses about 36,000 J per hour, while a microwave (1000W) uses about 3,600,000 J per hour.
Q4: Does this calculation work for DC and AC power?
A: Yes, as long as you use the correct power rating in watts. For AC devices, use the true power consumption, not just the voltage × current.
Q5: Can I calculate energy cost from this result?
A: Yes, convert joules to kWh (divide by 3,600,000) then multiply by your electricity rate per kWh to estimate cost.