Graphs of GPE and KE

TOTAL ENERGY
GPE = GPE + KE

KE

Energy

0
object 0 Time object reaches
dropped lowest point
Power (P)
Power is a measurement of how quickly work is done.

power = work done

time taken

P= W
t

power, P is measured in watts (W)

work done, W is measured in joules (J)
time, t is measured in seconds (s)
One watt is the same as one joule per second.
Power is also equal to how quickly energy is
transformed from one form to another.

power = energy change

time
P=E
t
Measuring a person’s power
1. Measure the weight, W of
person using weighing scales.

s 2. Measure the time taken for the

total stairs person to run up a flight of stairs
of height, h
height, h
stairs =nxs 3. Work done
of n = weight x height
steps
=Wxh
=Wxnxs
person of
weight, W 4. Power of the person
= work done / time taken
= (W x n x s) / t
Example calculation
Weight of person, W = 800N
Time taken, t = 3.0 seconds

s Stairs:
total stairs number of steps, n = 12
height, h height of step = 0.20m
stairs =nxs total stair height, h
of n = 12 x 0.20m = 2.4m
steps
Work done
= weight x height
person of
= 800N x 2.4m = 1920J
weight, W
Power = 1920J / 3.0s
= 640W