What is the difference between energy and power?

Energy is the amount of work that can be done, while power is the rate at which work is done.

Energy is a scalar quantity that measures the capacity of a system to do work. It is measured in joules (J) and is a function of the system's mass, velocity, and height. For example, a ball at the top of a hill has potential energy due to its height, which can be converted into kinetic energy as it rolls down the hill.

Power, on the other hand, is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is measured in watts (W) and is a function of the amount of work done and the time it takes to do it. For example, a 100 W light bulb converts electrical energy into light and heat energy at a rate of 100 joules per second.

The relationship between energy and power can be expressed mathematically as:

Power = Energy / Time

or

Energy = Power x Time

For example, if a 60 W light bulb is left on for 5 hours, the energy consumed can be calculated as:

Energy = Power x Time
Energy = 60 W x 5 hours x 3600 seconds/hour
Energy = 1,080,000 J

In summary, energy is the amount of work that can be done, while power is the rate at which work is done. Both are important concepts in physics and engineering, and understanding their relationship is crucial for solving problems involving energy and power.