AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Power
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
Define average power.
Average power is the total amount of energy being transferred or converted, divided by the time interval during which the transfer or conversion occurred.
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Define average power.
Average power is the total amount of energy being transferred or converted, divided by the time interval during which the transfer or conversion occurred.
What is power?
Power is the rate at which energy changes with respect to time, either by transfer into or out of a system or by conversion from one type to another within a system.
In the equation $P_{inst} = Fv\cos\theta$, what physical quantity is represented by the term $F\cos\theta$?
The term $F\cos\theta$ represents the component of the constant force that is parallel to the object's velocity, denoted as $F_{||}$.
If a constant force is applied perpendicular to an object's velocity, what is the instantaneous power delivered by that force?
The instantaneous power is zero, because the component of the force parallel to the velocity is zero ($\cos(90^\circ)=0$).
What is instantaneous power?
Instantaneous power is the power delivered to an object at a specific moment in time.
What is the formula for average power ($P_{avg}$) in terms of energy change ($\Delta E$) and time ($\Delta t$)?
The formula for average power is $P_{avg} = \frac{\Delta E}{\Delta t}$.
What is the formula for average power ($P_{avg}$) in terms of work ($W$) and time ($\Delta t$)?
The formula for average power in terms of work is $P_{avg} = \frac{W}{\Delta t}$.
What is the equation for the instantaneous power ($P_{inst}$) delivered by a constant force parallel to an object's velocity?
The equation is $P_{inst} = F_{||}v = Fv\cos\theta$, where $\theta$ is the angle between the force and velocity vectors.
Distinguish between average power and instantaneous power.
Average power measures the rate of energy change over a time interval, whereas instantaneous power measures the rate of energy change at a specific moment.
Why can average power also be expressed in terms of work done?
Average power can be expressed in terms of work because work is the change in energy of a system due to a force.
How does power relate to energy transfer in a system?
Power describes the rate of energy transfer into, out of, or within a system.