Power calculations (P = W/t)
I can describe power and calculate the rate at which energy is transferred by a force.
Power calculations (P = W/t)
I can describe power and calculate the rate at which energy is transferred by a force.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Power is equal to the rate at which work is done.
- Power is equal to the rate at which energy is transferred.
- Power = work done ÷ time.
- Power is measured in watts (W).
Keywords
Work - Work is done whenever a force makes an object move. The amount of work is force multiplied by distance moved in the direction of the force.
Power - Power is the rate at which work is done.
Rate - The rate at which something changes is usually equal to the amount of change each second.
Watt (W) - The unit for measuring power is the watt (W).
Kilowatt (kW) - A thousand watts is called a kilowatt (kW).
Common misconception
Pupils often mix up the terms power and force, which are often used interchangeably in everyday speech.
Provide opportunities for pupils to describe events in which the terms need to be used appropriately, for example in lifting two different sized weights (different forces) whilst increasing their energy at the same rate (same power).
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Power calculations (P = W/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Power calculations (P = W/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Energy of moving objects unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
newtons (N)
watts (W)
metres per second (m/s)
joules (J)