What's the difference between amps, watts and volts?

Understanding the difference between amps, watts, and volts is crucial for working with electrical systems. Here's a breakdown of each unit and how they relate to each other:

Amps

• Definition: Amps, or amperes, measure the flow of electrical current. They represent the amount of electrons flowing past a certain point per second.
• Analogy: Think of amps like the volume of water flowing through a hose. The more water flowing, the higher the current.
• Use: Amps are important for determining the capacity of electrical circuits and devices.

Watts

• Definition: Watts measure the rate of energy consumption or generation, often referred to as power. It is the product of voltage and current.
• Formula: ( \text{Watts} = \text{Volts} \times \text{Amps} )
• Analogy: Watts are like the amount of work done by the water flowing through the hose. The more water (amps) and pressure (volts), the more work can be done.
• Use: Watts are used to determine how much power an appliance consumes.

Volts

• Definition: Volts measure the electrical potential difference or the force that drives electrons through a circuit.
• Analogy: Volts are like the water pressure in the hose. Higher pressure (volts) pushes more water (amps) through the hose.
• Use: Volts are crucial for determining the compatibility of devices with power sources.

In summary, amps measure the flow of electrons, watts measure the energy consumption, and volts measure the force driving the electrons. These units are interrelated through Ohm's law, which helps in calculating each from the others.