Final answer:
To decrease the time required to perform a given amount of work without changing the total work, one should increase the power. Power is the rate of doing work, and greater power allows work to be completed more quickly.
Step-by-step explanation:
To decrease the amount of time required to work without changing the total amount of work, the power must be increased. Power is defined as the rate at which work is done, so to reduce the time for a constant amount of work, an increase in power is required. This does not involve changing the distance; instead, it involves altering the rate at which energy is expended.
Considering the options provided:
- Option 1: Increase distance - This option does not directly affect the time required to do work but might affect the effort over a greater distance.
- Option 2: Decrease power - Decreasing power would increase the time required, which is the opposite of what is desired.
- Option 3: Decrease distance - This option might reduce the work itself if force is constant, but does not address the rate (power) at which work is done.
- Option 4: Increase power - This is the correct action to take because it increases the rate of work, hence decreasing the time required.