Power and energy are distinct concepts in physics, with power defined as the rate at which work is performed or energy is transferred. Energy represents the total amount of work that can be done within a system, while power quantifies how quickly that work occurs. The relationship can be expressed mathematically as power equals the change in work over time (P = dW/dt). Understanding this distinction is crucial, as energy is a measure of capacity, whereas power indicates the speed of energy usage or transfer.