Clarification of electrical terms

  • Thread starter Thread starter treplag
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electrical Terms
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the clarification of the electrical terms "amps," "watts," and "joules." Participants explore the meanings and differences between these terms, with an emphasis on understanding basic electrical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the differences between amps, watts, and joules, seeking a clear explanation.
  • Another participant suggests a downloadable book as a resource for learning about electricity, emphasizing the importance of self-study.
  • A participant responds to perceived condescension in the replies, indicating that they are genuinely interested in learning and feel discouraged by the tone of the responses.
  • There are suggestions to consult Wikipedia for definitions of the terms, indicating that the differences may be clearer with proper definitions.
  • A later reply challenges the initial question's quality, suggesting that the question could be better framed or answered by the original poster themselves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best way to address the original question. There are differing opinions on the appropriateness of the responses given, with some feeling that the replies were condescending while others believe the original question was poorly posed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals a lack of clarity in the original question and varying expectations regarding the level of detail and tone in responses. There are unresolved feelings about the interaction style on the forum.

treplag
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I am embarrassed to be asking such an elementary question, but I want someone to explain the difference between amps, watts, and joules. I tried a dictionary, but it wasn't specific enough.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
treplag, No one here on Physics Forums will spoon-feed you this information.

If you are serious about learning electricity and electronics, this free downloadable book is the best choice for self study possible!

“Here is the "Electricity - Basic Navy Training Courses" (NAVPERS 10622) in its entirety (or will be eventually). It should provide one of the Internet's best resources for people seeking a basic electricity course - complete with examples worked out (links to quizzes at end of chapters).
Electricity - Basic Navy Training Courses
NAVPERS 10622
PREFACE
This book is intended as a basic reference for all enlisted men of the Navy whose duties require them to have a knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity.”
http://www.rfcafe.com/references/electrical/Electricity%20-%20Basic%20Navy%20Training%20Courses/electricity%20-%20basic%20navy%20training%20courses.htm

As you go through this book if you have some doubts or specific questions, then do come right back here and post them. Members here are always willing to assist a true searcher willing to learn science.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bobbywhy - I appreciate the detailed information, and I will definitely check it out. But I don't appreciate the condescension. If I were not genuinely interested in an answer, I would not have wasted my time to post the question. I am new to this site, and receiving a supercilious response to my first post hardly encourages me to further my knowledge via this venue.
 
treplag, I apologise if you felt condescension in my post. I certainly did not intend to insult your dignity. So, you used the dictionary to learn the difference between those three terms and were not satisfied. No surprise there.

May I suggest you check Wikipedia. If you learn what each term means then their differences will be obvious. I used those terms in Google search and found these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joule

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
treplag;4224486[... said:
But I don't appreciate the condescension. If I were not genuinely interested in an answer, I would not have wasted my time to post the question. I am new to this site, and receiving a supercilious response to my first post hardly encourages me to further my knowledge via this venue.
Stop victimizing yourself, you asked a bad question and got called out on it.

To make up for it, I'm expecting you to follow this up with a new post where you answer your own question—or, as Bobbywhy said, at least try and we'll see where that gets us. Good luck.

https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=3588
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bobbywhy - Thank you for that update and the links. No hard feelings. Cheers!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K