Which term describes the rate at which electrical energy is used?

Power is the term that describes the rate at which electrical energy is used. In electrical systems, power is calculated as the product of voltage (the potential difference) and current (the flow of electric charge). It effectively expresses how quickly energy is being consumed or transmitted in a circuit. Power is measured in watts, and it indicates the amount of energy used per unit time.

Understanding power in this context is fundamental for anyone working with electrical systems, as it helps to determine how much energy is needed for different applications, whether it's for simple devices or more complex systems. The significance of power is evident when wiring circuits, balancing loads, or calculating energy costs based on usage over time.