Find the power of a man running (work and potential energy)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating work and potential energy for a man running, specifically using the work-energy theorem. Participants clarify that the total work done is equal to the final kinetic energy, expressed as FD = 1/2 mv². The correct approach involves determining the force (F) and distance (d), with an emphasis on calculating distance accurately based on the man's running speed of 3 m/s. The conversation also highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the mass of the individual, which was initially misread as 10 kg instead of 70 kg.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the work-energy theorem
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as force and distance
  • Ability to interpret physical problems accurately
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn how to calculate kinetic energy using different mass values
  • Explore methods for accurately determining distance in physics problems
  • Review common mistakes in interpreting physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of work and energy in motion.

Jujubee37
Messages
22
Reaction score
4
Homework Statement
A man that weighs 10 kg starts at rest and takes 5 seconds to achieve a a speed of 3 m/s. how much power did the man produce?
Relevant Equations
W=(f)(d)
p=w/t
I started of by trying to find the work for I got stuck because I did not know how to solve for the Force. I solved for the distance by doing 3=d/5s which gave me 15m. but then I couldn't figure out where to go next in the problem because I don't know how to solve for (f) so an explanation would be greatly appreciated thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the work energy theorem, the total work will be equal to the final kinetic energy.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: rsk
Delta2 said:
Use the work energy theorem, the total work will be equal to the final kinetic energy.
would that be FD=1/2mv^2 ?
 
i suppose by FD you mean the work W=Fd? then yes.
 
10 kg is a very small man, weighs or not.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: Jujubee37
Delta2 said:
i suppose by FD you mean the work W=Fd? then yes.
Okay thank you I got it I think. 9 W
 
Your original approach will also work, ie by looking for the force (find the acceleration first) BUT only if you calculate the dstance correctly - what you've done there assumes that he was running at 3 ms⁻1 for the whole time.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Jujubee37
Jujubee37 said:
Okay thank you I got it I think. 9 W
Yes, but finding distance and work is more than a little roundabout. Was "work" specified in the problem ?
 
Last edited:
rsk said:
10 kg is a very small man, weighs or not.
Perhaps a misreading of 70kg?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
926
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K