Physics
Power from work
The same work done faster needs more power. Work is unchanged by how long it takes.
The Formula
P = W / t
The same work done faster needs more power. Work is unchanged by how long it takes.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Power | watts | Rate of doing work. |
| W | Work | joules | Total energy transferred. |
| t | Time | seconds | Duration over which the work is done. |
What Each Symbol Means
Pwatts
Power
Rate of doing work.
Wjoules
Work
Total energy transferred.
tseconds
Time
Duration over which the work is done.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate work page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Work, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.