Distance Traveled by Hummingbird: Solving for Height

In summary, the problem involves a hummingbird with a mass of 1.7 g doing 0.15 J of work against gravity, resulting in a net acceleration of 1.2 m/s2. The task is to find the distance the bird moves upwards. To solve this, the work-energy theorem is used and the total work done is calculated by adding up all the individual works, in this case only one force is doing work. The formula for kinetic energy, KE = 1/2 mv^2, is also used to find the change in kinetic energy (Δ(KE)). Finally, the force is not expressed in joules, but in Newtons, and the work done by the bird is what allows it
  • #1
duckywucky
18
0

Homework Statement



A hummingbird has a mass of about 1.7 g. Suppose a hummingbird does 0.15 J of work against gravity, so that it ascends straight up with a net acceleration of 1.2 m/s2. How far up does it move?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know what to do with the net acceleration, but i do know you have to convert 1.7 g to kg...
what would the formula do you use?!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What does the work-energy theorem say?
 
  • #3
Wnet = delta(KE)
 
  • #4
Correct. Can you find numbers/expressions for the two sides of the equation?
 
  • #5
(.0017kg)(1.2m/s^2)

or

(1/2)(.0017kg)(1.2m/s)^2

I'm not sure what to do with the Joules
 
  • #6
duckywucky said:
Wnet = delta(KE)

What does Wnet mean to you and how do you think you calculate it?

How about Δ(KE)? What is that all about?
 
  • #7
The Wnet means to me the total work done. and is it Fnet(d)?
KE = 1/2 mv^2 for Δ(KE)?
 
  • #8
Correct again. How many different works must be added up to give the total work?
 
Last edited:
  • #9
is it 1.7(1.2) / .15?!
 
  • #10
You didn't answer my question. How many different works must be added up to give the total work? In other words, how many forces are doing work here?
 
  • #11
Only 1 force?! the .15 J
 
  • #12
Force is expressed in Newtons. The 0.15 J is not a force, it is the work done by the bird as stated in the problem. Now think about this: if the bird did not flap its wings and did not exert that force, would it be suspended in mid-air or would something else happen to it?
 

1. How is the distance traveled by a hummingbird calculated?

The distance traveled by a hummingbird is calculated using the formula D = V * t, where D is the distance traveled, V is the velocity of the hummingbird, and t is the time it takes for the hummingbird to travel that distance.

2. What is the velocity of a hummingbird?

The velocity of a hummingbird can vary greatly depending on factors such as species, age, and weather conditions. On average, a hummingbird can fly at a speed of 25-30 miles per hour.

3. How do you determine the height of a hummingbird using its distance traveled?

The height of a hummingbird can be determined using the equation h = (D^2 * g) / (2 * V^2), where h is the height, D is the distance traveled, V is the velocity, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2).

4. What are some potential sources of error when calculating the distance traveled by a hummingbird?

Some potential sources of error when calculating the distance traveled by a hummingbird include variations in the hummingbird's flight speed, wind conditions, and measurement errors.

5. Can this formula be used to calculate the height of any flying object?

Yes, this formula can be used to calculate the height of any flying object as long as the distance traveled and velocity are known. However, the acceleration due to gravity may vary depending on the location.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
746
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top