Watt

Definition

A watt is the unit of power in the International System of Units (SI) and is equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1 watt equals 1 joule per second ($1 \text{ W} = 1 \text{ J/s}$).
2. The watt is named after James Watt, an 18th-century Scottish engineer.
3. Power can be calculated using the formula $P = \frac{W}{t}$, where $P$ is power in watts, $W$ is work in joules, and $t$ is time in seconds.
4. Electrical devices often have their power consumption rated in watts.
5. In mechanical systems, power can also be expressed as $P = Fv$, where $F$ is force in newtons and $v$ is velocity in meters per second.

Review Questions

• What does a watt measure?
• How many joules per second are equivalent to one watt?
• Who was the watt named after?

Related terms

Power:

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, measured in watts.

Joule:

The SI unit of work or energy, defined as one newton-meter.

Energy:

The capacity to do work, measured in joules.