Power (Physics)

In physics, power refers to the rate of transfer of energy respect to time.^[1]

Mathematically, average power is expressed as:

P = W / Δt

Therefore, power at any instant can be determined by the equation:

P = lim_Δt->0 W / Δt = dW / dt

Since dW = F dx and v = dx / dt follows that:

P = F · dx / dt = F · v

The usual units for power are Watts ( W = J/s ) and horsepower ( hp = 746 W )

References[edit]

1. ↑ Serway and Beichner, Physics For Scientists and Engineers, Fifth Edition