How is power calculated?

The calculation of power is fundamentally defined as the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. Power measures how quickly work is done or energy is used over a specific period of time. The correct relationship is expressed by dividing energy by time, hence making the correct formula for power: Energy / time.

In the context of work and motion, power can also be related to force and velocity. When considering force and average speed, power can be calculated with the formula Power = Force x Velocity. Since average speed refers to the velocity, this is a valid way to express power in the context of mechanical systems.

This helps illustrate that power is directly proportional to how much force is applied and how quickly that force is applied (velocity), which aligns with the fundamental definitions of power.

By contrast, force multiplied by distance measures work done, and mass multiplied by acceleration gives you force. While both can relate to energy and power in broader contexts, they do not directly calculate power itself.