# Difference between intensity and power

1. May 8, 2009

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?

2. May 8, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Typically: Power is energy per time; Intensity is power per area.

3. May 8, 2009

### Mr_Chen

Intensity is power per area ???

4. May 8, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

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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