How is electrical power measured?

Electrical power is measured in watts (W), which quantifies the rate at which electrical energy is converted or used in a circuit. One watt is equal to one joule per second and represents the product of voltage (volts) and current (amperes) in a circuit, following the formula: Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I). This relationship highlights how watts serve as a comprehensive measure of electrical power because they incorporate both the voltage applied and the current flowing, making them essential for understanding how much power an electrical device consumes or produces.

The other units mentioned—volts, amperes, and ohms—are important in the context of electrical systems but measure different parameters. Volts measure electrical potential, amperes measure the flow of current, and ohms measure resistance. Each of these plays a crucial role in the operation of electrical systems, but none directly quantify the power consumed.