Can You Convert Watt-hr to Watts? Exploring the Mechanics of Energy Conversion

  • Thread starter tacojohn
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Watts
In summary, an automobile traveling at 60 miles per hour and getting 20 miles per gallon consumes 180 watt-hours of energy. Converting this to power, we get a rate of 180 watts.
  • #1
tacojohn
3
0

Homework Statement



An automobile gets 20 miles per gallon when traveling at 60 miles per hour. With the energy content of gasoline at 36,000 watt-hr per gallon, convert this amount of power into watts.

Homework Equations



W h (watt hours) | ([length]^2 [mass])/[time]^2 | energy
W (watts) | ([length]^2 [mass])/[time]^3 | power

Energy = Power (60) * time (3) = 60 x 3 = 180 Wh

The Attempt at a Solution



If watt-hrs and watts are not compatible how am I supposed to convert these?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are not expected to convert the 36,000 watt-hr to watts. As you noted, it cannot be done. The power that you need to find is the energy per unit time that this car consumes as it travels at 60 miles per hour.
 
  • #3
Energy is ususally measured in Joules (J)
Power is the rate of change of energy - ie. how much energy you are using in a given time. Usually measuered in Watts = Joules per second (W = J/s)

so work out how much fuel the car consumes per time unit, then convert that to how much energy per time unit & you have power - pow
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Correct-o.
 

1. How do I convert watt-hours to watts?

To convert watt-hours to watts, divide the number of watt-hours by the number of hours. The result will be in watts.

2. What is the formula for converting watt-hours to watts?

The formula for converting watt-hours to watts is: watts = watt-hours / hours. This formula is used to determine the rate of energy transfer over time.

3. Can watt-hours and watts be used interchangeably?

No, watt-hours and watts cannot be used interchangeably. Watt-hours measure energy while watts measure power. Watt-hours take into account the amount of time energy is used, while watts only measure the rate at which energy is being used.

4. Why is it important to convert watt-hours to watts?

Converting watt-hours to watts is important because it helps determine the power consumption of a device. This is useful in managing energy usage and calculating the cost of electricity.

5. Can watt-hours be converted to watts for all types of energy?

Yes, watt-hours can be converted to watts for all types of energy, as long as the time period is known. This conversion can be used for electrical energy, as well as other forms of energy such as mechanical or thermal energy.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
2
Replies
43
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top