| watt | |
|---|---|
| Unit system | SI derived unit |
| Unit of | Power |
| Symbol | W |
| Named after | James Watt |
| 1 W in ... | ... is equal to ... |
| SI base units | kg⋅m2⋅s−3 |
| CGS units | 1×107 erg s−1 |
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The watt (symbol: W) is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), named after the Scottish engineer James Watt (1736–1819). The unit is defined as 1 joule per second and can be used to express the rate of energy conversion or transfer with respect to time. 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).