What does wattage measure in a circuit?

Wattage measures the amount of electrical power used in a circuit. It signifies the rate at which energy is consumed or produced when an electric current flows through a conductor. This is calculated as the product of voltage (the potential difference in the circuit) and current (the flow of electric charge).

In practical terms, wattage indicates how much power an electrical device needs to operate or how much power is drawn from a power source. For example, a light bulb rated at 60 watts uses 60 watts of power when turned on. Understanding wattage is essential for managing energy consumption and ensuring that circuits are not overloaded with devices that exceed their power ratings.