Gravitational and kinetic energy problem

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves calculating the total frictional force acting on a car moving at a constant velocity of 72.8 mi/h, given the engine power of 85.4 hp. The power was converted to watts, yielding 63708.4 W, and the velocity was converted to meters per second, resulting in 32.54 m/s. The relationship between power, force, and velocity was established, leading to the equation Force = Power / Velocity. The calculated force of 1957.84 N represents the force provided by the engine, which equals the frictional force at constant velocity. The solution was confirmed as correct by a homework service.
lzh
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Homework Statement


Given: 1 hp = 746 W and 1 m/s =2.237 mi/h.
When an automobile moves with constant
velocity, the power developed in a certain en-
gine is 85.4 hp.
What total frictional force acts on the car
at v = 72.8 mi/h? Answer in units of N.


Homework Equations


Kinetic Energy=.5mv^2
Disspated energy=F*displacement <-the f would be the frictional force.
W=change in energy(J)/change in time(s)

The Attempt at a Solution


i first converted 85.4 hp to W: 63708.4W
then the v to m/s: 32.54m/s

i would like to find the amount of joules in 63708.4W, but I don't know the time. So I probably need to find a way to cancel it.

also, I don't know the mass of the car...nor the displacement. I'm not sure of what to do with so many unknowns.
Can someone point my problems out?
Ty in advance!
 
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Why should you want joules for??

Instead, how are the quantities power, force and velocity related?
 
power=Force*displacement/time
after some simplification
I'm starting to see something though
edit:i forgot to type /t
 
Last edited:
You have constant velocity. What is therefore displacement/time equal to?
 
Last edited:
velocity!
i see, ty
 
so that means Force*v=63708W
substituting v i get:
F=1957.84N
but that's not the frictional force, I'm going to solve for that next
 
So, what you have found is the force the engine provides on the system, agreed?

Now, how much acceleration does the car experience if it moves with constant velocity?
 
yeah that's the force of the engine.
car at constand velocity has 0 accelaeration
so at constant velocity, the force of friction must be equal to force of engine?
so F=1957.84N is correct?
 
Last edited:
Correct!:smile:
 
  • #10
ty!
it was correct, according to my utexas's homework service
 
  • #11
lzh said:
ty!
it was correct, according to my utexas's homework service

How fortunate for the homework service! :smile:
 
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