Calculate average power in one cycle.

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To calculate the average power over one cycle for the function P = k sin²(ωt), the integration is performed over the period T = 2π/ω. The average power is expressed as ⟨P⟩ = (1/T) ∫₀ᵀ P dt, leading to ⟨P⟩ = (k/2) after integrating. A key point discussed is the need to divide by T to obtain the average, confirming that the correct average power is indeed k/2. The integration process and the significance of the period in the calculation were highlighted in the discussion.
yungman
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Homework Statement


This is part of a bigger problem, I simplify to just:

P=k sin^2 \omega t

How do I integrate over one cycle?

The Attempt at a Solution



\left\langle P \right\rangle = \int_0^T k\; sin^2 (\omega t) d t \;\hbox { where }\; T= \frac c f = \frac {2\pi}{ \omega}

\left\langle P \right\rangle = k \int_0^{ \frac {2\pi}{ \omega}} sin^2 (\omega t) d t = \frac 1 {\omega} \int sin^2 u du = \frac k 2 u = \frac k 2 t|_0^{\frac {2\pi}{ \omega}} = \frac {k\pi}{\omega}

I know the answer is

\left\langle P \right\rangle = \frac k 2

Please show me how to get the integration over one cycle.

Thanks

Alan
 
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The average of f(x) of period T: <f(x)> = \frac{1}{T}\int ^{r+T} _r f(x)dx with r is arbitrarily chosen :smile:

Another way to deal with your particular function is:
P = ksin^2wt = \frac{k}{2}(1-cos2wt)
 
yungman said:

Homework Statement


This is part of a bigger problem, I simplify to just:

P=k sin^2 \omega t

How do I integrate over one cycle?

The Attempt at a Solution



\left\langle P \right\rangle = \int_0^T k\; sin^2 (\omega t) d t \;\hbox { where }\; T= \frac c f = \frac {2\pi}{ \omega}

\left\langle P \right\rangle = k \int_0^{ \frac {2\pi}{ \omega}} sin^2 (\omega t) d t = \frac 1 {\omega} \int sin^2 u du = \frac k 2 u = \frac k 2 t|_0^{\frac {2\pi}{ \omega}} = \frac {k\pi}{\omega}

I know the answer is

\left\langle P \right\rangle = \frac k 2

Please show me how to get the integration over one cycle.

Thanks

Alan

Your answer of kT/2 makes more sense. Wouldn't you expect the integral (area under the curve) to be proportional to T? The only issue is whether you should be integrating from 0 to T/2 rather than 0 to T, because sin^2 has double the frequency of sine, as pointed out by hikaru's trig identity. But, if you want to integrate over the period T for the unsquared sinewave, then you are correct.

EDIT: Oh wait ! You want the average power, so you have to divide by T. That's what the issue is. So k/2 is correct.
 
Thanks, I forgot the 1/T.

Alan
 

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