Power

Power – the quantity that tells the rate at which work is done.

When computing for power, the equation used;

W Where:
P= t P= power of the force doing the work ( W or J/s )
W= work done by the force ( J )
t= time it took for the work to be done ( s)
Sample Problem:
An electric machine uses 300 J of energy to do work in 10s. How much power does it uses?

Given:
W= 300 J W
t= 10s P= t
Formula:
find:
P=? W 300 J
P= t P= 10 s
Formula:
P= 30
Energy- is defined as the ability to do work. Energy exists in various forms, such as the energy derived from
mechanical means known as mechanical energy. In mechanical energy, there are two types namely; potential
energy and kinetic energy.
A. Potential Energy (PE) is the energy associated with an object’s position or configuration. It is also
called as stored energy.
2 types of potential energy:
1. Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in any elastic material such as rubber band and
spring.
2. Gravitational potential energy is the energy associated with the distance of an object from the
ground. The gravitational potential energy can be determined using the formula:
PE=mgh
where:
PE = potential energy of an object expressed (N.m or J)
m = mass of the object (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity considered as positive (9.8 m/s2)
h = elevation of the object from a reference point (m)
Example:
A 1 kg durian fruit was raised from the ground. How much potential energy does it have when lifted
10.0m?
Given: Find: PE=?
m= 1 kg
h= 10.0m. Formula: PE = m g h.
Solution:
PE = m g h
= (1 kg) (9.8 m/s2) (10.0m)
= 98.0 J
So, the potential energy is 98.0 J.

B. Kinetic Energy (KE) is the energy you possess when you are doing your activities, it is also referred as
energy in motion. Mathematically, kinetic energy can be expressed as:
KE = ½ mv2
where:
KE = kinetic energy of an object (N.m or J)
m = mass of the object (kg)
v = speed of the object (m/s)
Example:
A 30 kg motorcycle is travelling with a velocity of 5 m/s. What is its kinetic energy at this velocity?
Given: v= 5 m/s
m= 30 kg Find: KE=?
 Formula: KE = ½ mv
Solution:
KE = ½ mv2
= ½ (30 kg) (5 m/s)2
= ½ (30 kg) (25 m2/s2)
= 375 J
So, the kinetic energy at this velocity is 375 J.
NOTE:
*Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can only be transformed from one form to another.
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.