How to Rigorously Derive P(t) = V(t)I(t) in an Electric Circuit?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the rigorous derivation of the instantaneous power equation in electric circuits, expressed as P(t) = V(t)I(t). The derivation begins with the relationship P = F · v, where the force F is defined as F = E q, and voltage is related to electric field E through dV = -E · dx. The participants emphasize the importance of distinguishing between power in a circuit and the flow of power at a specific point in space, ultimately linking the equation to the electromotive force (EMF) in the circuit, which is the product of EMF and current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically F = E q
  • Knowledge of voltage and its relationship to electric fields, dV = -E · dx
  • Familiarity with the concept of instantaneous power in physics, P = F · v
  • Basic principles of electromotive force (EMF) in electric circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of P(t) = V(t)I(t) in detail using calculus
  • Explore the relationship between EMF and current in electric circuits
  • Learn about the implications of instantaneous power in AC circuits
  • Investigate the mathematical foundations of electric field theory
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Students of electrical engineering, physicists, and educators seeking a deeper understanding of power derivation in electric circuits.

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I kindly ask for assistance in derivation of the equation for instantaneous power in an electric circuit, P(t) = V(t) I(t). I want to derive it as rigorously as possible. Here's what I got:
We start with P = {\bf F} \cdot {\bf v}, where {\bf v} = \frac{d\bf r}{dt}<br />
We know that the force exerted on a test charge q is given by {\bf F} = {\bf E} q, and for voltage we know dV = - {\bf E} \cdot dx.
Inserting F in equation for power, we get P = {\bf E}q \cdot \frac{d\bf x}{dt} = {\bf E}\cdot dx \frac{q}{dt} = - dV \frac{q}{dt} .
How would I go from this, to the desired result, without taking a "quantum leap"?
Is there a better way to actually derive this mathematically impeccably?
 
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You need first to decide whether you want the power in a circuit, as you described,

or the flow of power through a single point in space, which you appear to be trying to calculate.

The old fashioned definition of EMF made this quite clear for a circuit.

The EMF of a circuit develops the power in that circuit, equal to the EMF times the current flowing in that circuit.
 

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