Watt second
A watt second (also watt-second, symbol W s or W·s) is a derived unit of energy equivalent to the joule.(Taylor & Thompson 2008, pp. 39–40, 53) The watt-second is the energy equivalent to the power of one watt sustained for one second. While the watt-second is equivalent to the joule in both units and meaning, there are some contexts in which the watt-second is used instead of joule.
The kilowatt hour (kWh) is equivalent to 3,600,000 watt-seconds and is a unit used in the electricity market, and by producers of electricity.
The distinction between joule and watt-second is not analogous to the usage of newton meter for torque despite being an equivalent unit to the joule.
Photography
In photography, the unit for flashes is the watt-second. A flash can be rated in watt-seconds (e.g., 300 Ws) or in joules, but historically the watt-second has been used and continues to be used. The energy rating a flash is given is more of a technicality than a true benchmark in terms of light output because there are numerous factors that affect the energy conversion efficiency. For example, the actual construction of the tube will vary the efficiency but also the use of reflectors and filters will change the usable light output at the subject. Some companies specify their products in "true" watt-seconds and some specify their products in "nominal" watt-seconds.
Companies that use watt-seconds to describe their products:
See also
- Guide number
- Kilowatt hour, a scaled unit of the watt-second often used in the electrical energy industry
Notes
Taylor, Barry; Thompson, Ambler (2008), The International System of Units (Special publication 330), Washington: National Institute of Standards and Technology