Calculating Cat Power: How to Find Horsepower Output

Click For Summary
To calculate the average power output of a cat leaping to a 97.0-cm-high table, the gravitational potential energy (P.E.) is first determined using the formula P.E. = mgh, resulting in 42.777 joules. The average power output during the push-off period of 0.230 seconds is then calculated by dividing the energy by time, yielding 185.987 watts. Converting watts to horsepower involves dividing by 746, resulting in approximately 0.249 horsepower. The calculations demonstrate the relationship between mass, height, and power output in this scenario. This problem illustrates the application of physics equations in real-life situations.
freak_boy186
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


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.


Homework Equations


W = Fdx
F = ma


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not even sure where to start
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
How much energy did the push give the cat? Do you know the equation for gravitational potential energy?
 
No, I"m not sure what the equation for gravitational potential energy is...
 
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
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
14K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
11K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K