Enter the current, resistance, and time into the calculator to determine the heat produced according to Joule’s Law. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Joule’s Law Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the heat produced according to Joule’s Law.

H = I^2RT

Variables:

  • H is the heat produced (Joules)
  • I is the current (Amperes)
  • R is the resistance (Ohms)
  • T is the time (Seconds)

To calculate the heat produced, square the current, then multiply the result by the resistance and the time.

What is Joule’s Law?

Joule’s Law, named after English physicist James Prescott Joule, is a fundamental principle in the field of electricity that states the amount of heat produced by a direct current is directly proportional to the square of the current, the resistance it encounters, and the time for which it flows. This law is mathematically represented as H = I^2RT, where H is the heat produced, I is the current, R is the resistance, and T is the time.

How to Calculate Joule’s Law?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Joule’s Law using the formula: H = I^2RT.


  1. First, determine the value of the current (I) in Amperes.
  2. Next, determine the value of the resistance (R) in Ohms.
  3. Next, determine the value of the time (T) in Seconds.
  4. Next, square the value of the current (I) to get I^2.
  5. Next, multiply the squared current (I^2) by the resistance (R).
  6. Finally, multiply the result by the time (T) to calculate the heat produced (H) in Joules.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge:

Current (I) = 2 Amperes

Resistance (R) = 5 Ohms

Time (T) = 10 Seconds

To calculate the heat produced (H), follow these steps:

Step 1: Square the current (I): I^2 = 2^2 = 4

Step 2: Multiply the squared current (I^2) by the resistance (R): 4 * 5 = 20

Step 3: Multiply the result by the time (T): 20 * 10 = 200

Therefore, the heat produced (H) is 200 Joules.