Which unit measures electrical charge?

The unit that measures electrical charge is the coulomb. A coulomb is defined as the amount of charge transported by a constant current of one ampere in one second. This standard unit is fundamental in the study of electricity and is part of the International System of Units (SI).

Understanding charge is crucial in thermodynamics as it relates to the behavior of particles and the transfer of energy in various systems. In electrical systems, charge plays a key role in defining how electricity flows and interacts with matter, which can impact thermal processes.

While volts measure electric potential difference and are crucial in understanding how charge moves through a circuit, and amperes measure the flow of electric current (the rate of charge transfer), they do not directly quantify charge. Watts, on the other hand, measure power, which is the rate of energy transfer. Thus, the coulomb stands out as the sole unit directly associated with the measurement of electric charge.