Calculating Work and Power in a Given Time Period

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the work done in pushing a 13.0 kg block of steel across a table with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.6 at a steady speed of 1.30 m/s for 8.30 seconds, the force of friction is determined to be 76.44 N, which equals the applied force since the block moves at constant velocity. The work done can then be calculated using the formula W = Fd, where the distance is found to be approximately 10.79 m. For power output, the equation P = ΔE/Δt is applied, using the work calculated from part A and the given time. The discussion emphasizes correcting the misunderstanding of acceleration and the relationship between applied force and friction. Overall, the calculations clarify how to approach work and power in this physics problem.
tangibleLime
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Homework Statement



a) How much work must you do to push a 13.0 kg block of steel across a steel table (\mu_{k}=0.6) at a steady speed of 1.30 m/s for 8.30 s?

b) What is your power output while doing so?

Homework Equations


W=\vec{F}*\Delta S
F_{f}=u_{k}*n
F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


First I applied Newton's Second and performed the following:

F=ma
F-F_{f} = ma

To find F_{f}, I used F_{f}=u_{k}*n using mg for n and 0.6 for u_{k}.

F_{f}=u_{k}*mg
F_{f}=(0.6)*(13)(9.8)
F_{f}=76.44 N

Throwing that back into the NII equation along with substituting the other variables, I got:

F-76.44=(13)(9.8)
F=93.94 N

I think I may have done something wrong in that step.

Anyways, if that is correct then this is where I am stuck. I do not know how to apply this information to conclude the work done over the time period supplied.

To solve B, I assume I will simply use the equation P=\frac{\Delta E}{\Delta t}, where I would use the time supplied for the t value and the answer from part A to the E value.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
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tangibleLime said:
Throwing that back into the NII equation along with substituting the other variables, I got:

F-76.44=(13)(9.8)
F=93.94 N

How did you get a=9.8? a is 0 because the block is moving at constant speed.

Anyways, if that is correct then this is where I am stuck. I do not know how to apply this information to conclude the work done over the time period supplied.

W=Fd. You can calculate F by fixing the mistake I pointed out above, and d is even easier to get.
 
With your second step, you're overthinking it and making an error by subtracting it from normal force. Force applied is the same as force of friction since it is moving at a constant velocity. This number is correct at 76.44N. 93.94N shouldn't be used.

Now, as for finding work done, as you have listed, W=Fd. You now have force, now you just have to find distance.

For part B your assumption is correct.
 
Ah, thank you!

x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2

x = 0 + 1.3(8.3) + (1/3)(0)(8.3)^2

x \approx 825

Thanks again!
 
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