Which unit would you use to measure electric power in the metric system?

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Electric power in the metric system is measured in watts. This unit is defined as one joule per second, which illustrates how power quantifies the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. The concept of power is central in electrical systems, as it determines how much energy is consumed or produced over time.

To understand why watts are the correct unit for measuring electric power, it is useful to know that electric power can also be computed using the formula P = VI, where P represents power (in watts), V represents voltage (in volts), and I represents current (in amperes). This relationship reinforces the definition of watts as the product of voltage and current, giving a clear perspective on how power is fundamentally related to the electrical parameters of a circuit.

In contrast, joules are a measure of energy, not power; volts measure electrical potential, and amperes quantify current flow. Each of these units serves a distinct purpose within the realm of electrical measurements, but when specifically addressing power, watts are the appropriate metric.

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