What does a wattmeter measure?

A wattmeter is specifically designed to measure electrical power consumption in a circuit. Power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred or converted. In the context of electrical applications, power is typically measured in watts, which is the product of voltage (measured in volts) and current (measured in amperes).

The wattmeter takes into account both the voltage and current in a system, allowing it to determine how much power is being consumed at any given moment. This measurement is essential for understanding energy use in homes, industries, and various electrical devices, enabling users to manage their electricity consumption effectively.

In contrast, other instruments are used for measuring voltage, current, and resistance individually. A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance but does not directly measure power. Therefore, the wattmeter's primary function is unique to measuring electrical power consumption.