What does "wattage" measure in an electrical context?

Wattage is a measure of the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced in a circuit. It quantifies how quickly electrical energy is converted into another form of energy, such as light or heat, and is expressed in watts (W).

When you think about appliances or electrical devices, the wattage indicates how much power they require to operate. For example, a light bulb rated at 60 watts uses that amount of electrical energy every second it is turned on. This concept is essential for understanding the energy efficiency and consumption of electrical devices.

In contrast, the total voltage in a circuit, the current flowing through a conductor, and the resistance of a circuit measure different electrical properties. Voltage pertains to the electrical potential difference, current relates to the flow of electric charge, and resistance indicates how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. These properties are interrelated through Ohm's law, but wattage specifically focuses on how much energy is used over time.