Power
Power is the rate of doing work: P = W/t. Same work in less time means higher power. Unit: watt (W).
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Definition of power
Power P is the rate at which work is done (or energy is transferred): P = W/t. The SI unit is the watt (W): 1 W = 1 J/s. Doing the same work in half the time requires twice the power. Climbing stairs quickly requires more power than climbing slowly, even though the work done (mgh) is the same.
✔ Key takeaway: Power P = W/t is the rate of doing work; unit is the watt (W).
Link to simulator: Lift the same mass at different speeds and compare power.
💭 Think about this:
Why do we say a car engine is "more powerful" when it can do the same work in less time?