Understanding W (Watt)

 

Understanding W (Watt)

What is a Watt?

W (Watt) is the unit of power, which measures the rate of energy consumption or production per second. It indicates how much energy a device uses or generates in a specific period.

Definition:

• 1 Watt = 1 Joule (energy) per second

Formula:

P = V × I

• P: Power (Watt, W)
• V: Voltage (Volt, V)
• I: Current (Ampere, A)

Practical Meaning of Watt

Operational Power: The amount of energy required for a device to function.

Examples:

• A 60W light bulb uses 60 Joules of energy per second to produce light.

Efficiency Measurement: Higher wattage indicates more energy consumption or production.

Related Units

• kW (Kilowatt): 1kW = 1,000W
• kWh (Kilowatt-hour): A unit to measure electricity usage. 1kWh = 1kW of power used for 1 hour.

Applications

• Home Appliances:
  • Light Bulb: 10-60W
  • Laptop: 40-90W
  • Refrigerator: 100-200W
• Chargers:
  • Smartphone: 5-30W
  • Laptop: 30-100W+
• Industrial: Power plant output measured in MW (Megawatt, 1MW = 1,000,000W).

Importance of Watt

• Energy Efficiency: Helps determine how much energy a device uses or saves.
• Safety: Ensures devices do not overheat or consume too much power.
• Device Selection: Allows for the comparison of devices based on energy requirements.

GoPro Charging and Wattage

Standard Charging: Most GoPro models support up to 10W (5V/2A) charging.

Fast Charging: Newer models (e.g., HERO 10, HERO 11) support up to 15W (5V/3A) with Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility.

Using a 60W Charger:

• Safe to use because GoPro only draws the power it needs (max 15W).
• No faster charging beyond GoPro's limit.
• May cause slight heat increase, so charge in a cool environment.