Watt Converter
Convert Watt to Picowatt and more • 80 conversions
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Unit Explanations
WattW
Source UnitThe watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
Fun Fact
One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
PicowattpW
Target UnitThe picowatt (symbol: pW) is a unit of power equal to 10^-12 watts, or one trillionth of a watt. It is a derived SI unit that is utilized to quantify extremely low levels of power, often found in electronic devices and scientific applications where energy consumption is minimal. This unit is particularly relevant in fields such as nanotechnology, photonics, and low-power electronics, where precision in measuring power is essential. The picowatt is especially useful in the context of measuring the power output of lasers, sensors, and other microelectronic components.
Current Use
Today, the picowatt is widely used in various industries, including telecommunications, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering. It plays a critical role in measuring the power output of laser diodes, photodetectors, and other low-power devices. Researchers and engineers rely on precise measurements at this scale to optimize energy consumption and enhance the performance of electronic systems. In biomedical applications, picowatt measurements are essential in assessing the power usage of implantable devices and sensors, contributing to advancements in healthcare technology.
Fun Fact
The picowatt is so small that it's often used in lab settings where traditional power measurements are impractical.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Watt
power • SI Unit
Definition
The watt (symbol: W) is the SI unit of power, defined as the rate of energy transfer equivalent to one joule per second. It measures the amount of energy conversion or transfer that occurs per unit time. In practical terms, it quantifies the rate at which work is done or energy is consumed. The watt is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it is used extensively in various fields such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics to quantify power output or consumption.
History & Origin
The watt is named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer and inventor whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution. The unit was introduced to provide a consistent measure of power, reflecting Watt's contributions to power engineering.
Etymology: Named after James Watt, a pioneer in steam engine development.
Current Use
The watt is widely used across the globe to measure electrical power, mechanical power, and heat transfer. It serves as a fundamental unit in the fields of electrical engineering, physics, and many applied sciences. It is crucial for calculating energy consumption in households, industries, and for determining the power output of engines and machinery.
💡 Fun Facts
- •One watt is equivalent to 1/746th of a horsepower.
- •The watt is the power required to lift a small apple one meter in one second.
- •James Watt's improvements to the steam engine greatly increased its efficiency and power output.
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Picowatt
power • Non-SI
Definition
The picowatt (symbol: pW) is a unit of power equal to 10^-12 watts, or one trillionth of a watt. It is a derived SI unit that is utilized to quantify extremely low levels of power, often found in electronic devices and scientific applications where energy consumption is minimal. This unit is particularly relevant in fields such as nanotechnology, photonics, and low-power electronics, where precision in measuring power is essential. The picowatt is especially useful in the context of measuring the power output of lasers, sensors, and other microelectronic components.
History & Origin
The picowatt was introduced in the 1960s as part of the International System of Units (SI) to provide a consistent framework for measuring small quantities. With the advancement of technology, particularly in electronics and telecommunications, the need for precise measurements of power at very low levels became apparent. This led to the adoption of prefixes like pico, which is derived from the Spanish word 'pico' meaning 'small'. The development of the picowatt enabled researchers and engineers to quantify power in applications involving microprocessors and other low-power devices.
Etymology: The term 'picowatt' is derived from the SI prefix 'pico-' which denotes a factor of 10^-12, combined with the base unit 'watt', named after the Scottish inventor James Watt.
Current Use
Today, the picowatt is widely used in various industries, including telecommunications, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering. It plays a critical role in measuring the power output of laser diodes, photodetectors, and other low-power devices. Researchers and engineers rely on precise measurements at this scale to optimize energy consumption and enhance the performance of electronic systems. In biomedical applications, picowatt measurements are essential in assessing the power usage of implantable devices and sensors, contributing to advancements in healthcare technology.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The picowatt is so small that it's often used in lab settings where traditional power measurements are impractical.
- •The prefix 'pico-' is derived from the Spanish word for 'small', reflecting the tiny magnitude of the unit.
- •A picowatt is equivalent to the power produced by a single LED in a low-power setting.
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🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
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