.Calculating Power Output of 1.8-g Spider

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SUMMARY

The power output of a 1.8-g spider walking at a speed of 2.3 cm/s at an angle of 25° to the vertical is calculated using the formula P = Fv cos θ. The correct calculation yields a power output of 0.00037 W, derived from the weight of the spider (F = mg) and its velocity. The initial oversight in the calculation was addressed by incorporating the angle into the power formula, confirming the final result.

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  • Familiarity with the formula P = W/t
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (grams to kilograms, cm/s to m/s)
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Homework Statement


Calculate the power output of a 1.8-g spider(the black dot) as it walks up a windowpane at 2.3 cm/s. The spider walks on a path that is at [tex]25^{o}[/tex] to the vertical as illustrated below.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4107/spiderl.jpg

Homework Equations


P = W/t
F = mg

The Attempt at a Solution


P= W/t = Fd/t = Fv cos [tex]\theta[/tex] = mgv cos 25 = (0.0018 kg)(9.81 m/s^2)(0.023 m/s) cos25 = 0.00037 W.

Is this correct?

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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While calculating the power you have not considered the angle given in the problem.
So W = F*v*cos(theta)
 
I have actually just editted my post after realizing this.
 

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