Calculating Power from Mass, Acceleration, and Time?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating power using mass, acceleration, and time, specifically for a mass of 5 kg with varying acceleration values of 4.2 m/s² and 8.4 m/s² over a time interval of 0.2 seconds. Key formulas include Force = Mass x Acceleration, Work = Mass x Acceleration x Distance, and Power = Work / Time. The participants clarify that to find power, one must consider the change in energy and assume constant acceleration during the time interval, leading to the conclusion that velocity can be derived from integrating acceleration over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (Force = Mass x Acceleration)
  • Knowledge of basic kinematics, including integration of acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concepts of work and power in physics
  • Ability to perform calculus operations, specifically integration
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  • Study the derivation of power from basic principles in physics
  • Learn about the integration of acceleration to find velocity
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and power calculations
  • Investigate the implications of variable acceleration on power output
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Students and professionals in physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of power calculations involving mass and acceleration.

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 ([itex]a' = \Delta a/\Delta t[/itex]). This makes v a second order term:

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

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

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