What does a higher wattage rating usually indicate about a light bulb?

A higher wattage rating for a light bulb typically indicates that it will emit more light. This relationship arises because wattage measures the amount of electrical power consumed by the bulb. In general, bulbs with higher wattage ratings convert more electrical energy into visible light, resulting in increased brightness.

It's important to note that this relationship can vary between different types of bulbs (such as incandescent, LED, or CFL), but for traditional incandescent bulbs, this correlation is particularly evident. More recent advancements in lighting technology, such as LEDs, allow lower wattage bulbs to emit comparable or even greater amounts of light than higher wattage incandescent bulbs, but the original point about wattage and light output remains valid for traditional lighting.

The other options do not accurately describe the implications of a higher wattage rating in this context: higher wattage does not inherently mean that a bulb will consume less energy or last longer, nor does it guarantee enhanced safety.