Difference between Watts and Volts: Definition and Overview

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Differences between watt and volts can be determined on the basis of their identity, where Watts is the unit of power, volts is the unit of electrical potential difference. Watt helps in understanding the quantity of energy being generated or consumed whereas volt helps in understanding the difference in the electrical potential of two places. 

Keyterms: Watt, Volt, energy, power, electrical potential, electrons, Voltameter, kilovolt, microvolt, millivolt, current, ampere

Also Read: Resistors in Parallel


Definition of Volt

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A volt, as indicated by BIPM, refers to the measurement of the consumption of energy by the electrons moving from one end of the wire to another. Symbolically it is defined by the letter V. Voltameter is the instrument used for measuring volts and it also has a number of subunits such as kilovolt, microvolt, millivolt, etc.

Volt can also be referred to as the difference between the potential of two points present in a conductor transferring one ampere current when the power consumed between the points is one watt. The possible difference throughout the resistance of one ohm when one ampere is moving through it is called as an equivalent volt. The term volt is used to honour the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. 

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Definition of Watt 

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Watt can be defined as the total amount of energy consumed or generated in a single second by a device. The energy used for the transfer of one ampere of current through the possible difference of one volt is known as watt. The term watt is coined after the Scottish inventor, James Watt. The first person who termed the unit at first was Charles William Siemens.

In order to measure the power in watts one needs volt as well as ampere but in case of electrical circuits and systems the power can be obtained by multiplying the current and the voltage. 

Watts can be found through the following: V x A = W. 


Difference between Watt and Volt

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Parameters Watts Volts
Definition Watt is the SI unit of Power. Volts is the SI unit of potential difference and EMF.
Formula Watt can be expressed, Watts = Current*Volts Volt can be expressed, Volts = (Potential energy)/(Charge)
Units  The unit of Watt is Power The unit of Volt is Electromotive force and potential difference
Symbol Symbolically Watt can be expressed by W Symbolically Volt can be expressed byV
Difficulty in measurement In terms of taking a reading of Watts is difficult because it requires the quantities of both voltage and current. In terms of taking the reading of Volts is very easy.
Measurement Watts provide a more relevant measurement for Power Volt measures a small portion of voltage from the power source
Measuring Device Watt can be measured by Power Meter Volt can be measured by Voltmeter
Base Unit The basic unit of Watt is KgM2A-1S-3 The basic unit of Volt is KgM2S-3

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Points to Remember

  • Difference between watt and volts is a part of unit 4, Effects of current and carries a total of 16 to 17 periods and 5 to 7 marks. 
  • Instrument required to measure watt is power meter and for volts its voltmeter.
  • Watt helps to understand the rate at which energy is generated or consumed.
  • Volt refers to the power present in the power source of an electrical unit from which current is sent through a conducting loop helping them to perform a particular task.
  • Watts = Current*Volts
  • Volts = (Potential energy)/(Charge)

Sample Questions 

Ques 1. How Does Watt work? (2 marks)

Ans. Watt can be defined as the total amount of energy consumed or generated in a single second by a device. One watt can be taken as equivalent to the amount of electricity flowing at a one joule per second rate in the metric system. It is also considered equivalent to 3.4 Btus/hr. 

Example: A light bulb of 60 watt will use energy at a rate of 60 watts.

Ques 2. How Does Voltage Work? (2 marks)

Ans. Voltage is the measurement of the consumption of energy by the electrons moving from one end of the wire to another. More the potential difference, more will be the voltage.

Example: In the case of a nursery hose, irrespective of the nozzle of the hose being rested, the tension actually continues inside it. Similarly, according to the power, regardless of whether we switch off the bulb (as the bulb is associated across the circuit), the voltage stays in the stimulated piece of the circuit/ckt.

Ques 3. What is the Power of a Watt? (1 mark)

Ans. Watt can be defined as the energy needed by one ampere of current to move through the conductor on passing the potential difference of one volt through the conductor. Power is the amount of energy consumed over time. 

Ques 4. Write down the relationship between Volt and Watt. (1 mark)

Ans. The relation between watt and volt is relative. That is, watt is directly proportional to volt. Which suggests that any alteration in the value of watt will have a direct impact on the value of volt. 

Ques 5. What is the relation between Ampere and Watt? (1 mark)

Ans. Amps measure the progression of power as an electric flow. Watt can be obtained by multiplying amp with volt, which gives the amount of energy. More the wattage, higher will be the output and power from the appliance. 

Ques 6. What is the relation between power voltage and resistance? (2 marks)

Ans. Power and resistance are both inversely as well as directly proportional. If power consumed in the resistor is given by P = V2/R then the power decreases with an increase in resistance whereas if power is given by P = I2R, then power increases with an increase in the resistance. 

Ques 7. Write down the difference between watt and volt on the basis of definition, formula, unit and measurement? (4 marks)

Ans. The differences are:

Watt Volts
Watt is the SI unit of Power. Volts is the SI unit of potential difference and EMF.
Watt can be expressed, Watts = Current*Volts Volt can be expressed, Volts = (Potential energy)/(Charge)
The unit of Watt is Power The unit of Volt is Electromotive force and potential difference
Watts provide a more relevant measurement for Power and can be measured by power meter Volt measures a small portion of voltage from the power source and can be measured by voltmeter

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