What is the standard unit of luminous intensity?

The standard unit of luminous intensity is the candela. This unit measures the power emitted by a light source in a particular direction, and it is defined as the luminous intensity of a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 x 10^12 Hz and has a radiant intensity of 1/683 watt per steradian. The candela is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is crucial for quantifying how bright a light source appears to the human eye. It is specifically tailored to correspond to the human perception of brightness, making it an essential measure in fields like lighting design and visual arts. Understanding this unit is vital for professionals working in areas where light sources impact visibility and aesthetics.