What is the main purpose of identifying a light bulb's wattage?

The main purpose of identifying a light bulb's wattage is to assess the light bulb's brightness. The wattage indicates how much energy the bulb uses, and there is a direct relationship between wattage and light output for different types of bulbs. Generally, the higher the wattage, the brighter the light emitted. For example, traditional incandescent bulbs output about 10 to 17 lumens per watt, meaning that a higher wattage bulb will produce more light compared to a lower wattage one.

While other options might seem relevant, they don’t directly relate to the interpretation of wattage concerning brightness. Understanding the wattage helps consumers choose bulbs based on their lighting needs while also considering energy consumption. This is why knowing a bulb's wattage is crucial for determining its suitability for specific environments, tasks, and overall effectiveness in producing light.