HP & Cats

freak_boy186

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A 4.50 cat leaps from the floor to the top of a 97.0-cm-high table. If the cat pushes against the floor for 0.230 to accomplish this feat, what was her average power output during the pushoff period? Answer in terms of horsepower.


2. Relevant equations
W = Fdx
F = ma


3. The attempt at a solution
I'm not even sure where to start

ideasrule

How much energy did the push give the cat? Do you know the equation for gravitational potential energy?

freak_boy186

No, I"m not sure what the equation for gravitational potential energy is...

freak_boy186

nevermind! I figured it out!

P.E. = 9.8(4.5)(.97) = 42.777J

42.777/.23 = 185.987W

& 746W = 1hp

185.987/746 = .249hp