Explain the difference between energy and power.

Power is the rate at which energy is transferred. For example, a typical kettle may use 1.2 kiloWatts (kW) for about 2 minutes to boil water. This means that the kettle uses 1200 Joules of energy per second (Js-1) for 120 seconds. We can work out the total energy this takes using the equation:Power = Energy / TimeRearranging for energy gives us:Energy = Power × TimeSo:Energy = 1200Js-1 × 120s= 144,000JSo, in this example, a kettle requires 1200 Watts of power for 2 minutes to boil the water, or 144,000 Joules of energy in total.

HJ
Answered by Henry J. Physics tutor

4239 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Imagine a probe in space. Argon gas can be fired from the probes fuel tanks to propel the probe. Discuss whether conservation of momentum applies and whether the speed of the probe increases.


The lamp has an efficiency of 20%. Explain what this means.


What does it mean to 'earth' something?


An elastic wire suspended from a workbench has a 2kg mass attached to its free end. The wire changes in length by 2cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the wire.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning