Grade 11 · Physics
Work & Power
Why it matters
Transferring energy over distance.
Core20m readingPrerequisite: None
What are work and power in physics?
Short answer
Work is energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance in the force’s direction: W = Fd, measured in joules. Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred: P = W/t, measured in watts. Doing the same work in less time requires more power.
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Frequently asked questions
- When is no work done despite a force?
- When the force is perpendicular to the motion, or the object does not move, the work done by that force is zero.
- What is the difference between work and power?
- Work is the total energy transferred; power is how fast that energy is transferred.