Work is defined as the process of energy transfer to the motion of an object through the application of force. This is usually represented as the product of force and displacement. The SI unit of work is Joule.
Power is defined as the amount of energy transferred in unit time. The SI unit of power is the watt. One watt is equal to one joule per second. Power is a scalar quantity.
Difference between Work and Power
Let us look at more differences between them in the table given below
| Work | Power |
|---|---|
| Work is a scalar quantity. | Power is a scalar quantity. |
| The SI unit of work is Joule (J). | The SI unit of power is Watt (W). |
| The equation to calculate work is
Work = Force × Displacement. |
The equation to calculate power is
Power = Work/Time |
| Work can also be measured in units like electron volt (eV), kWh, MWh, and GWh. | Power is also measured in units like kW, MW and GW. |
The difference between work and power should be understood clearly as these are an important topic in Physics.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Define work.
Work is defined as the process of energy transfer to the motion of an object through the application of force.
What is the SI unit of work?
The SI unit of work is Joule (J).
What are the components that control the amount of work done?
Force and displacement are the components that control the amount of work done.
What is meant by power?
Power is defined as the amount of energy transferred in a unit of time.
What is the SI unit of power?
The SI unit of power is Watt (W).
What is the general equation to calculate work?
The equation to calculate work is
Work = force × Displacement.
Work = force × Displacement.
What is the general equation to calculate power?
The equation to calculate power is
Power = Work/Time.
Power = Work/Time.
How are work, energy and power related to each other?
Work is the energy needed to apply a force to move an object a particular distance. Power is the rate at which that work is done.
Is power a scalar quantity?
Power is a scalar quantity because it is a ratio of two scalar quantities.
Here is an engaging video explanation of Work, Energy and Power.
