What is the basic unit of electrical power?

The basic unit of electrical power is the watt. This unit quantifies the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or converted. One watt is defined as one joule per second, which indicates that it measures energy usage over time.

Power can be understood in terms of the relationship between voltage and current in an electrical circuit, which is described by the formula Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I). This reinforces that when you multiply the voltage applied across a circuit by the current flowing through it, you arrive at the power measured in watts.

Other units listed do have significant roles in electrical concepts but serve different functions. For instance, a volt measures electrical potential, an ohm measures resistance, and a joule measures energy. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the watt specifically defines power within an electrical context.