What does the term "watt" measure in electrical terms?

The term "watt" measures the rate of work or power in electrical terms. Specifically, one watt is defined as one joule of energy consumed or produced per second. This unit of measurement reflects how much electrical energy is converted into another form of energy, such as heat, light, or mechanical energy, over time. Understanding this concept is crucial in various applications, including electrical engineering, power generation, and fire investigations, where knowledge of power can impact safety assessments.

When analyzing electrical systems, it's critical to distinguish between other measurements such as voltage, which refers to electrical pressure, and electrical resistance, which measures how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. These concepts relate to wattage but are distinct in terms of their definitions and implications in electrical contexts. The focus on watts as a measure of power emphasizes the rate at which energy use occurs, making it a fundamental concept in understanding how electrical systems operate.