Difference between intensity and power

AI Thread Summary
Power and intensity are distinct concepts in physics, with power defined as energy per unit time and intensity as power per unit area. Intensity is measured in watts per square meter, indicating how much power is distributed over a specific area. The relationship between the two can be illustrated by the example of sunlight, which has an intensity of approximately 1400 W/m². While power remains constant over time, intensity can vary based on the area being measured. Understanding these differences is crucial for applications in fields like laser technology and energy distribution.
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Is there a difference between power and intensity?

From some of the literature read(from laser specification), the impression given to me is that power is defined rather as determined over a particular beam spot size(area quantity) while intensity is defined as a quantity that is varied with time?

Is that true?
 
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Typically: Power is energy per time; Intensity is power per area.
 
Intensity is power per area ?
 
Yes: watts per square meter, or joules per second per square meter, measured on a surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of energy flow. Example: the typical intensity of sunlight is 1400 W/m^2.
 

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