Calculating Minimum Power to Climb a Hill

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the minimum power required for a truck weighing 3.0 * 10^4 Newtons to climb a hill of 1.6 * 10^2 meters over a height of 8.0 * 10^2 meters in 480 seconds, the formula P = W/t is used. The confusion arises from the term "minimum," which indicates that the calculation should only consider the work done against gravity, excluding factors like friction or acceleration. The correct approach involves determining the work done against gravitational force and dividing it by the time taken. The initial answer of 1.5 * 10^5 W was incorrect, and further clarification on the calculations is needed to arrive at the correct solution. Understanding the distinction of "minimum" power is crucial for accurate calculations in physics problems.
majormuss
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Homework Statement


A truck weighing 3.0 *10^4 Newtons was driven up a hill that is 1.6*10^2 meters long to a level area that is 8.0* 10^2 above the starting point. If the trip look 480 seconds, what was the minimum power required?


Homework Equations



P= W/t

The Attempt at a Solution


My answer was 1.5*10^5 W, but that is not part of the answers provided.The word 'minimum' confuses me a bit. Am not sure how that changes m answers.
 
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Please show how you arrived at your answer so we can see where you may have gone wrong. The word minimum is in there because the power could be more if you included friction or air resistance, or if the truck was accelerating. The problem is asking for the power based on the work done against gravity.
 

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