What is the main function of a wattmeter?

The primary function of a wattmeter is to measure electrical power in watts. This device is used to assess the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced in a circuit, which is essential for understanding energy usage and efficiency in various applications. The wattmeter accomplishes this by taking into account both the voltage across the circuit and the current flowing through it, allowing it to calculate power using the formula power (in watts) equals voltage (in volts) multiplied by current (in amperes).

Measuring power is crucial, as it provides insight into how much energy is being converted to work or heat over time, which can be critical for energy management and electrical system analysis.