What is the unit of power?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred over time. The unit of power is the Watt (W), which is expressed as one Joule per second. This means when one Joule of work is done in one second, the power output is one Watt.

To put it another way, if you consider performing work or transferring energy continuously, the faster that work is done, the greater the power. This relationship not only highlights the significance of time in the context of energy and work but also emphasizes why the Watt is the appropriate measure for power.

In contrast, the other units listed pertain to different physical quantities. The Newton (N) is used for measuring force, while the Joule (J) is a measure of energy or work. The Pascal (Pa) measures pressure. Each of these units serves its own specific purpose in physics, but when it comes to quantifying power, the Watt is the relevant and correct choice.

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