watt | |
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Unit system | SI derived unit |
Unit of | Power |
Symbol | W |
Named after | James Watt |
Unit conversions | |
1 W in ... | ... is equal to ... |
SI base units | kg⋅m2⋅s−3 |
CGS units | ×107 1erg s−1 |
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The watt (symbol: W) is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units (SI) defined as 1 joule per second and can be used to quantify the rate of energy transfer. Power has dimensions of .
When an object's velocity is held constant at one meter per second against a constant opposing force of one newton, the rate at which work is done is 1 watt.
In terms of electromagnetism, one watt is the rate at which work is done when one ampere (A) of current flows through an electrical potential difference of one volt (V).