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 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).
Two additional unit conversions for watt can be found using the above equation and Ohm's Law.