Calculating Power from Mass, Acceleration, and Time?

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The discussion focuses on calculating power using mass, acceleration, and time, with specific values provided for mass and acceleration at two time points. The key equations mentioned include Force = Mass x Acceleration, Work = Mass x Acceleration x Distance, and Power = Work / Time. A participant suggests that to find the change in energy, one should assume a constant rate of change of acceleration over the time interval and use integration to determine velocity. The conversation concludes with a participant indicating they have resolved their calculation issue. Understanding the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and power is crucial for accurate calculations in this context.
BH_1984
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I am trying to work out power from acceleration and mass alone. But I'm having a mind blank with regard to the actual calculation and it is driving me crazy. :confused:

Force = Mass x Acceleration
Work = Mass x Acceleration x Distance
Power = Work / Time
Power = Mass x Acceleration x Velocity
Hence: Power = Mass x Acceleration x Integration of Acceleration


So from this what should the Power be for the following situation?

Mass = 5 Kg
Acceleration at t = 0 sec is 4.2 ms^-2
Acceleration at t = 0.2 sec is 8.4 ms^-2

Does a point need to be interpolated on the line to work the acceleration
and integration of acceleration before it can be placed into the equation?
Plus as the time between the two values is 0.2 sec does the answer need to be multiplied by 5?

Thanks
BH
 
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BH_1984 said:
So from this what should the Power be for the following situation?

Mass = 5 Kg
Acceleration at t = 0 sec is 4.2 ms^-2
Acceleration at t = 0.2 sec is 8.4 ms^-2

Does a point need to be interpolated on the line to work the acceleration
and integration of acceleration before it can be placed into the equation?
Plus as the time between the two values is 0.2 sec does the answer need to be multiplied by 5?
Since power is the time rate of change of energy, find the change in energy of the mass. Assume the KE of the mass at t=0 is 0.

I think you have to assume that the rate of change of acceleration, a', is constant over the ensuing .2 seconds. So use: a = a't where a' = constant (a' = \Delta a/\Delta t). This makes v a second order term:

v = \int_{t=0}^{t=.2} a'tdt = \frac{1}{2}a't^2

AM
 
Last edited:
Thanks Andrew, I think I have solved it now
 
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?

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