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Physics for Kids

Power

What is power?

The word "power" is often used to describe someone in authority like a king or a dictator. It's also used to describe someone or something that is very strong like a baseball player that hits home runs. In physics, power is used to describe the rate at which energy is used. In other words, it is a measurement of how fast you are using energy.

The equation that describes power is:
Power = Work ÷ Time
or
P = W/t

An Example

Whether you run up a flight of stairs in 5 seconds or take a slow walk up the same flight in 40 seconds, you are doing the same amount of work. However, you are doing it at a different rate. When you run up the stairs you are working much faster. While running up the stairs you have a higher power than when you walk up the stairs.

If the work it takes you to climb the stairs is 1000 joules, then we can calculate the power in both cases P1 (running) and P2 (walking):

Power = W/t
P1 = 1000 J ÷ 5 s
P1 = 200 W

P2 = 1000 J ÷ 40 s
P2 = 25 W

You can see that the power was much higher while running the stairs than while walking.

How to Measure Power

The standard unit for measuring power is the Watt. From the equation above we can see that power is Work ÷ Time. The unit for work is the joule (J), so a Watt is the same as a joule/second or J/s.

Another common unit for power that is used for automobile engines and machines is horsepower. One horsepower is about equivalent to 745.7 Watts.

Power and Force

Power can also be calculated from the force and velocity of an object using the following equation:

power = force * velocity

Electrical Power

When figuring out the electrical power, we use the current and the voltage. Current is measured in amperes (A) and voltage is measured in volts (V). Note: Current is represented in equations with an "I."

Power = Current * Voltage
P = I * V

Example problem:

What is the power of an electrical circuit generating 3 amperes at 10 volts?

P = I * V
P = 3A * 10V
P = 30 Watts

Interesting Facts about Power Activities

More Physics Subjects on Motion, Work, and Energy

Motion
Scalars and Vectors
Vector Math
Mass and Weight
Force
Speed and Velocity
Acceleration
Gravity
Friction
Laws of Motion
Simple Machines
Glossary of Motion Terms
Work and Energy
Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Work
Power
Momentum and Collisions
Pressure
Heat
Temperature



Science >> Physics for Kids


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