The rate at which work is done is equivalent to which of the following?Select one:a.increase in potential energyb.potential energyc.thermal energyd.power

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

We need to determine which of the provided options is equivalent to the rate at which work is done.

Step 2: Relevant Concepts

The concept that relates to the rate at which work is done is power. Power is defined as the amount of work done per unit of time. Mathematically, it is expressed as: $P = \frac{W}{t}$ Where:

• $P$ = Power
• $W$ = Work done
• $t$ = Time taken

Step 3: Analysis and Detail

• Increase in potential energy: This refers to the change in energy due to position but does not define the rate of doing work.
• Potential energy: This is the energy stored in an object due to its position and does not describe the rate of work.
• Thermal energy: This refers to the internal energy of an object due to the random motions of its particles. It does not relate to the rate of doing work directly.
• Power: This is defined as the rate at which work is done. This is directly equivalent to our question.

Step 4: Verify and Summarize

Upon reviewing the definitions, the only option that directly relates to the rate of doing work is power.

Final Answer

The correct answer is d. power.