Calculating Gasoline Consumption for Car Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating gasoline consumption for a car's acceleration based on its mass and final speed. The energy content of gasoline is specified as 9.38 × 10^5 J/oz, and the car's mass is 1500 kg with a target speed of 29.1 m/s. The calculation involves determining the kinetic energy (KE) using the formula KE = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2, resulting in 635107.5 J. With a 40% efficiency rate, the total gasoline consumed is calculated to be 1.69 oz.

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  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with energy content of fuels
  • Basic knowledge of efficiency in mechanical systems
  • Proficiency in unit conversions (Joules to ounces)
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  • Learn about the relationship between mass, acceleration, and fuel consumption
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Crush1986
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Homework Statement



Gasoline has an energy content of 9.38 × 10^5 J/oz. If a car,
with a mass of 1500 kg, is accelerated to a speed of 29.1
m/s, how much gas is consumed by the engine, assuming
40% efficiency?

Homework Equations


w=fd
w= ΔKE



The Attempt at a Solution


So I started by multiplying the energy content of gasoline by .4 so I believe I could just treat it was being 100 percent efficient after that.
I then calculated the KE the car had at the end of it's acceleration. 1/2*(1500kg)*(29.1 m/s)^2 = 635107.5 J. I then divided this by the amount of energy a car uses per oz of gasoline which was .4 * 9.38*10^5 J/oz to get the oz's. Which was 1.69.
Is this all correct?

Thank you to anyone for their time.
 
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Correct.
 
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