Power (GCSE Physics)
Power
Power
The Rate of Energy Transfer
In previous tutorials we have looked at how we can calculate the energy transferred when work is done. Now we will look at calculating the rate of this energy transfer.
Power is the rate at which energy is transferred. Because work done is the transfer of energy, power also tells us the rate at which work is done.
The unit of power is the watt (W). 1 watt is equal to transferring 1 joule of energy per second.
For example, if a lamp had a power of 1W, it means that it transfers 1J of electrical energy into heat and light energy each second.
Make sure you are able to convert units as power is often given in kilowatts (kW).
1 kW = 1000W
So to convert W into kW, divide by 1000. To convert kW into W, multiply by 1000.
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