An electrical supply company sells two models of 100 -watt power supplies (the maximum power output is \(100 \mathrm{~W})\), one with an output of \(12 \mathrm{~V}\) and the other \(6 \mathrm{~V}\). What can you conclude about the maximum current that the two power supplies can produce?

Ohm's Law is a fundamental principle in the field of electronics and electrical engineering that describes the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit. The law is usually expressed in the formula:
\[ V = I \times R \]
This formula states that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, provided that the resistance remains constant.

Understanding Ohm's Law in Power Calculations

When dealing with power supplies and their capabilities, Ohm's Law can be re-arranged to solve for current. As seen in the exercise, power (P) is the product of voltage and current, which gives us the formula: \[ P = V \times I \].
Knowing this, to find the maximum current, we can rearrange the formula to \[ I = \frac{P}{V} \] .
This is crucial in calculating how much current a power supply can deliver. The lower the voltage for the same power rating, the higher the current must be to satisfy Ohm's Law.

A power supply is an essential component in any electrical system. It converts the power from an electrical outlet into a usable form for electronic devices. These devices range from small integrated circuits to large industrial machines. Power supplies are characterized by their voltage and maximum power output, among other specifications.

Maximizing Use of the Power Supply

For the power supply to be efficient, it must deliver the required voltage and current without exceeding its maximum power capability. In our example, both models are rated at 100 watts, which represents the total power they can provide. Power ratings help in determining the maximum current the supply can deliver by dividing the power by the voltage (as per Ohm's Law). This is why the 6V model delivers a higher current; it has to convert the same power level at a lower voltage, hence the current increases.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is measured in amperes (A) and is indicative of the quantity of electricity flowing. For powering devices, the current must be sufficient to meet the device's needs.

Current and Device Compatibility

It's not all about the availability of high current; it’s also about the compatibility with the device being powered. Some devices require low current, whereas others need high current to operate. Understanding the requirements of your device and the capacity of your power supply is crucial. For example, a device that needs 16.67A would work well with a 6V, 100W power supply according to the exercise calculations. Conversely, a device needing less than 8.33A could use either power supply, but the 12V supply could be more suitable if the device needs a higher voltage.