Difference Between Watts and Volts for JEE Main 2024

Power is measured in Watts, which are named after James Watt. It is the current flow of one amp with a voltage of one volt in terms of electromagnetism. Electric potential, electromotive force, and electric potential difference are all measured in units called volts. A direct relationship exists between watt and volt. This suggests that a change in watt value will correspond to a change in volt value.

A proportionate relationship exists between watts and volts. In other words, watts and volts are directly proportional. Which suggests that-

The electric potential in terms of volts increases as electric power in terms of watts does, maintaining a constant electric current.

Electric potential increases as wattage (electric power) decreases.

What are Volts?

When a current of one ampere (Amp) dissipates one watt of power across a conductor, there is a potential difference called a volt. For those of us without an electrical engineering degree, this probably has little meaning. So let's dissect it.

In order to power something like a light, charged electrons (current) must be forced through a conducting loop (between two points) by the pressure of a power source known as voltage. It is comparable to the pressure in a water line.

Voltage is essentially electrical pressure and is expressed in volts. Therefore, a volt (V) is just a way to measure voltage. The accumulation of electrons in one area more so than another results in voltage. Before a lightning strike, this occurs naturally in clouds, and it can also happen inside of you before erupting as a static electric spark. Electrical pressure accumulates inside the cloud or your body until it reaches a point where it can leak out to the lower voltage point.An electrical circuit formed by the ground and the cloud requires an extremely high voltage to complete.

How Much Voltage is Present in an Electrical Circuit?

• Let's examine what this means in terms of the electricity we utilize on a daily basis. We'll start by thinking about the lighting in our house. 

• A lightbulb will be marked with its voltage rating; in North America, lightbulbs used in homes will be 120 volts rated. The lightbulb is made to be connected to a circuit that is operating at that voltage rather than producing that voltage itself.

• Volts are a measurement of the force of electricity entering a bulb from a battery or an electrical outlet. 

• 120V, 130V, or very low-voltage bulbs like the 12V DC (direct current) LED lights that many of us use in our homes are some examples of standard voltages.

High Voltage Vs. Low Voltage

High Voltage:

Electricity is delivered over long distances using high voltage. A significant amount of power can travel over a long distance in some applications (like the high voltage power lines that deliver electricity to our homes).

Low Voltage:

Low voltage is considered anything under 50V (volts) of electricity. Standard low voltages are 12V, 24V, and 48V. Low voltage wiring doesn’t carry the same current as power outlets. For example, it’s used for doorbells, garage door openers, thermostats, alarm system sensors, audio-visual systems, and our RV LED lighting! 

What is Watts?

The standard unit of power or radiant flux in the International System of Units (SI) is the watt (symbolized W). It is derived from the defining constants of the standard, which are used to build the SI base units of kilogramme (kg), metre (m), and second (s). One watt equals one joule (J) per second, making the watt a unit of measurement for the rate of energy transfer over time:

W = J/s

The SI standard defines a joule in terms of kilogrammes, metres, and seconds as the common unit of energy or work:

J = kg∙m2∙s-2

By combining the two previously mentioned formulas, a watt can also be expressed as follows:

(kgm2s-2) = $W = \dfrac{J}{s}$ = kg∙m2∙s-3

• Ohm's Law is Used to Calculate Power.

Power is inversely proportional to the square of the voltage divided by the resistance, denoted by the letter R and expressed in ohms (). Think about a circuit where the resistance, voltage, and current are all fixed. These three properties have a proportional relationship, according to Ohm's Law. According to law, resistance times current (in amps) times voltage equals voltage, as shown in the following formula:

V = AR

This formula can be used in conjunction with the wattage formula to include resistance in our calculations. The wattage formula must first be modified by multiplying both sides of the equation by V.

W = VA

A = W/V

This final equation shows the proportionality between power, voltage, and resistance by stating that one watt equals one volt squared divided by one ohm of resistance.

Differentiate Between Watts and Volts:

Conclusion:

Power metres and voltmeters are the instruments needed to measure watts and volts, respectively.Watt facilitates comprehension of the rate of energy production or consumption. Volt is the unit of measurement for the power contained in an electrical unit's power source, from which current is sent through a conducting loop to enable them to carry out a specific function.