Power Loss Confusion: I^2R vs V^2/R

AI Thread Summary
The discussion addresses the apparent contradiction between the two equations for power loss: P = I^2R and P = V^2/R. The first equation indicates that power loss increases with resistance when current is constant, while the second suggests that power loss decreases with increased resistance when voltage is constant. This confusion arises from the different conditions under which each equation is applied. Both equations are consistent but highlight different scenarios in electrical systems. Understanding the context of fixed current versus fixed voltage clarifies the relationship between resistance and power loss.
K Dhiraj Bhak
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Power loss doubt: power loss = I^2 R Power loss = V^2 / R But the 2 equations are contradictory ,,, from the first equation , we can say " MORE THE RESISTANCE MORE THE POWER LOSS" from the second equation ,,, it is the other way round... Why does this happen? ( usually the 1st equation is used for power loss expression ,, but i don't know why ,, and i want to know why the second equation can't be used)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
K Dhiraj Bhak said:
Power loss doubt: power loss = I^2 R Power loss = V^2 / R But the 2 equations are contradictory ,,, from the first equation , we can say " MORE THE RESISTANCE MORE THE POWER LOSS" from the second equation ,,, it is the other way round... Why does this happen? ( usually the 1st equation is used for power loss expression ,, but i don't know why ,, and i want to know why the second equation can't be used)
The expressions are consistent. The first one says that the more resistance the more the power loss if the current is held fixed. Just the opposite if the voltage is held fixed.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
The rope is tied into the person (the load of 200 pounds) and the rope goes up from the person to a fixed pulley and back down to his hands. He hauls the rope to suspend himself in the air. What is the mechanical advantage of the system? The person will indeed only have to lift half of his body weight (roughly 100 pounds) because he now lessened the load by that same amount. This APPEARS to be a 2:1 because he can hold himself with half the force, but my question is: is that mechanical...
Some physics textbook writer told me that Newton's first law applies only on bodies that feel no interactions at all. He said that if a body is on rest or moves in constant velocity, there is no external force acting on it. But I have heard another form of the law that says the net force acting on a body must be zero. This means there is interactions involved after all. So which one is correct?
Thread 'Beam on an inclined plane'
Hello! I have a question regarding a beam on an inclined plane. I was considering a beam resting on two supports attached to an inclined plane. I was almost sure that the lower support must be more loaded. My imagination about this problem is shown in the picture below. Here is how I wrote the condition of equilibrium forces: $$ \begin{cases} F_{g\parallel}=F_{t1}+F_{t2}, \\ F_{g\perp}=F_{r1}+F_{r2} \end{cases}. $$ On the other hand...
Back
Top