What term describes the rate at which energy is transferred?

The term that describes the rate at which energy is transferred is power. Power quantifies how quickly work is done or energy is transferred in a system. It is expressed mathematically as the amount of energy transferred divided by the time it takes for that transfer to occur. Therefore, when we talk about the rate of energy transfer, we are referring to how fast energy changes forms or moves from one place to another, which is inherently a function of power.

In various physical contexts, power can be understood in terms of its units, such as watts (where 1 watt is equal to 1 joule per second). This relationship highlights the fundamental role of power in understanding energy dynamics in mechanical, electrical, and other systems.