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Power: GCSE Physics Definition

Leander Oates

Written by: Leander Oates

Reviewed by: Ann Howell

Published

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1 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. Power revision resources to ace your exams

What is power?

In GCSE Physics, power is the amount of energy transferred per unit time. Power can also be expressed as the rate of doing work, since work done is equivalent to energy transferred.

The unit of power is the watt (W), which is equivalent to joules per second.

Power can be described using the following equation:

P space equals fraction numerator space E over denominator t end fraction

Where:

  • P = power, measured in watts (W)

  • E = energy transferred, measured in joules

  • t = time, measured in seconds (s)

The electrical power of a device depends upon the voltage (potential difference) and the current of the device.

The power of an electrical component, or appliance, is given by the equation:

P space equals space I V

  • Where:

    • P = power, measured in Watts (W)

    • I = current, measured in amperes (A)

    • V= potential difference, measured in volts (V)

Power revision resources to ace your exams

You can strengthen your understanding of power by using our revision notes tailored specifically for the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC exam boards.

You can practice wave questions and calculations with helpful guidance and examiner tips using our exam board specific GCSE Physics exam questions.

Explore our GCSE Physics Revision Resources

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Author
Reviewer
Leander Oates

Author: Leander Oates

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.

Ann Howell

Author: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.

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