Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I did a project on the effect on increased salinization on the production of voltage through wave power.
I found an increase in the amount of volts produced through my research.
I am trying to create some applications for my project and I was planning on creating a chart to show how many volts is needed to power a cell phone, house, etc to show how alternative energy could be used.
However, when I looked for this information online, it was all in terms of KWH (kilowatt hours). I understand that Volts= amps*watts (is that correct) but I was wondering if there was anyway for me to translate volts into everyday electrical applications.
I'm new at learning about electricity, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

Lauren

laurenkim97 - Lauren - I think you need to review some background information on very basic electrical and electronic theory. As a minimum, you have to understand the relationship between voltage, current and resistance. There are many sites on the web Including this primer from Science Buddies:

http://www.reprise.com/HOST/electricity/default.asp

I also like this somewhat structured online course for learning the basics. Some sections are incomplete, but the sections on voltage, current and resistance are useful.

http://www.reprise.com/HOST/electricity/default.asp

These will give you an understanding of the basics so you may better understand your experiment and results. Ohm's Law will give you a better understanding of voltage, current and resistance. Power, measured in watts, is the product of voltage and current. The formula you showed Volts=Amps*Watts is not correct. They are simply related though, and can be shown as - Volts=Watts/Amps, or Amps=Watts/Volts, depending on what your known or measured values are. Good luck in your learning quest. When you understand the basics, your experiment results will mean much more to you.

Rick Marz