Work and mechanical power

A fundamental principle universally adopted is that of energy conservation. According to this principle, the appearance of a given type of energy cannot result from a phenomenon of "spontaneous creation" of energy, and can only result from a process of transformation of one form of energy into another.

Work is not in itself a form of energy, but the manifestation of a transformation or transfer of energy.

The quantity representing the speed at which work is carried out is power, which is essential for many applications.

This article describes the main work and power measurement procedures.

The reader will find in the volume Generalities in [ A 250] General Mechanics, the theoretical study of the statics and dynamics of the point, as well as the equations of work in the various special cases of application. For the concepts of force and torque, please refer to the article R 1820] Force. Torque.