Watt Converter
Convert Watt to Microwatt 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.
MicrowattµW
Target UnitThe microwatt (µW) is a unit of power equivalent to one-millionth of a watt (10^-6 watts). It is commonly used to measure very low levels of electrical power, especially in microelectronics, telecommunications, and medical devices. The unit reflects the need for precision in contexts where power consumption is minimal. The microwatt is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is derived from the watt, which is defined as one joule per second. Thus, 1 µW = 1 × 10^-6 W.
Current Use
Microwatts are commonly used in various fields, including telecommunications, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering. They are particularly relevant in the design of low-power devices where energy efficiency is crucial. For example, many wireless communication devices, sensors, and implantable medical devices operate at power levels measured in microwatts. The precise measurement of microwatts is essential for optimizing performance in these applications, ensuring minimal energy waste while maintaining functionality.
Fun Fact
The microwatt is so small that it can measure power levels in biological processes, such as nerve impulses.
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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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Microwatt
power • Non-SI
Definition
The microwatt (µW) is a unit of power equivalent to one-millionth of a watt (10^-6 watts). It is commonly used to measure very low levels of electrical power, especially in microelectronics, telecommunications, and medical devices. The unit reflects the need for precision in contexts where power consumption is minimal. The microwatt is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is derived from the watt, which is defined as one joule per second. Thus, 1 µW = 1 × 10^-6 W.
History & Origin
The term microwatt was introduced in the mid-20th century as part of a broader effort to standardize units of measurement in science and technology. The SI unit of power, the watt, was named after James Watt, an 18th-century inventor and mechanical engineer who significantly contributed to the development of the steam engine. The prefix 'micro-' is derived from the Greek word 'mikros,' meaning small or tiny, and it represents a factor of one-millionth.
Etymology: The prefix 'micro-' comes from the Greek word 'mikros,' meaning small, while 'watt' is named after James Watt.
Current Use
Microwatts are commonly used in various fields, including telecommunications, microelectronics, and biomedical engineering. They are particularly relevant in the design of low-power devices where energy efficiency is crucial. For example, many wireless communication devices, sensors, and implantable medical devices operate at power levels measured in microwatts. The precise measurement of microwatts is essential for optimizing performance in these applications, ensuring minimal energy waste while maintaining functionality.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The microwatt is so small that it can measure power levels in biological processes, such as nerve impulses.
- •Devices that operate in the microwatt range often rely on advanced battery technologies to maximize lifespan.
- •The prefix 'micro-' is used in many other measurements, such as micrometer and microgram, underscoring the significance of small scales in science.
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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?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.