What is the rate at which electricity is converted into another usable form like heat called?

The rate at which electricity is converted into another usable form, such as heat, is referred to as power. Power quantifies how quickly energy is transferred or converted from one form to another, and in the context of electrical systems, it is often measured in watts.

When electricity is used to generate heat (like in electric heaters or toasters), it is the power rating of the device that indicates how much electrical energy is converted into heat energy per unit of time. This concept is essential for understanding the efficiency and functionality of electrical appliances, as it helps determine how effectively they convert electrical energy into usable energy forms.

The other choices relate to aspects of energy usage but do not specifically define the conversion rate. Usage refers to how much electricity is consumed, dissipation generally refers to the loss of energy (often as heat) during the operation of a system, and consumption pertains to the overall use of energy within a certain period. Power, however, distinctly captures the conversion rate of electricity into other usable forms.