How to Measure Electric Energy
Electrical energy is measured using the concepts of electrical power and time. Electrical power is figured using the basic electrical measuring devices of voltage and current that measure the flow of electrons within an electrical circuit.
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Voltage and Current
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Voltage refers to the amount of energy needed to move electrons along an electrical circuit. Electrical current is the measurement of electrons flowing between two points that have different voltage. Basically, shorter electrical circuits require less voltage while wider electrical circuits provide stronger current.
Electrical Power
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Before electrical energy can be figured, electrical power must be known. Electrical power is the amount of electrical current that results from a certain amount of voltage. This power is measured in watts. Electrical power is calculated by multiplying voltage by current.
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Electrical Energy
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Electrical energy is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and gives the amount of energy used to operate an electrical device for a given amount of time. Watt-hours are figured by multiplying electrical power by time. For instance, a 100-watt light bulb that is on for six hours will use 600 Wh of electricity.
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References
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