The rate at which work is done is equivalent to which of the following? 1) increase in potential energy 2) thermal energy 3) potential energy 4) power 5) kinetic energy

The rate at which work is done is defined as power. It measures how quickly energy is transferred or converted, making it a fundamental concept in physics, especially in mechanical systems. For instance, a light bulb has a certain power rating that indicates how much electrical energy it converts to light and heat per unit of time. In practical terms, power is commonly expressed in watts (W), where one watt equals one joule per second. When we think of power, we can relate it to everything from household appliances to athletes’ performance in sports, where higher power output can lead to faster speeds or greater lifting capabilities!