What does wattage measure in relation to lighting?

Wattage indicates the amount of energy consumed by a light bulb to produce light. Essentially, it measures how much electrical power the bulb uses, typically expressed in watts. Higher wattage generally means greater energy consumption, which often correlates with the potential output of light, but wattage itself does not measure the brightness directly. Instead, brightness is typically evaluated in terms of lumens, a measurement of the visible light output.

Understanding wattage is crucial for evaluating energy efficiency and operational costs. For example, with the rise of LED technology, bulbs can produce the same amount of light (lumens) while consuming significantly lower wattage compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Thus, when selecting lighting options, knowing the wattage helps in assessing both energy efficiency and the overall impact on electricity bills, while also facilitating comparisons among different types of lighting technologies.

In the context of the other choices, brightness is more accurately measured through lumens, while color temperature relates to the hue of the light emitted. Lifespan refers to how long a bulb lasts before needing replacement, which does not directly connect to the wattage measurement.