Introductory Power/Work Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two physics problems related to power and work. The first problem involves calculating the average power required by a winch to accelerate a glider, while the second problem focuses on the forces acting on a shopping cart being pushed at a constant velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods to calculate power and work, questioning the assumptions of constant velocity and acceleration. Some suggest using average velocity for calculations, while others consider energy changes to find work done.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights and clarifications on the problems. There is an ongoing exploration of how to calculate the change in energy and its relation to work. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts and corrections, with no clear consensus yet on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the urgency of the assignment deadline, which may influence the depth of exploration and understanding. There is also mention of potential confusion regarding the definitions of average velocity and acceleration.

jacksonpeeble
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Homework Statement


1. Some gliders are launched from the ground by means of a winch, which rapidly reels in a towing cable attached to the glider. What average power must the winch supply in order to accelerate a 188-kg ultra-light glider from rest to 24.0 m/s over a horizontal distance of 51.0 m? Assume that friction and air resistance are negligible, and that the tension in the winch cable is constant.

2. A person pushes a 16.0-kg shopping cart at a constant velocity for a distance of 28.0 m. She pushes in a direction 24.0° below the horizontal. A 32.0-N frictional force opposes the motion of the cart.
a. What is the magnitude of the force that the shopper exerts?
b. Determine the work done by the pushing force.
c. Determine the work done by the frictional force.
d. Determine the work done by the gravitational force.

Homework Equations


P=W/T
W=F*D

The Attempt at a Solution


1. P=((188kg*24m/s)*51m)/(51m/24m/s)

2. a. I assumed this would just be 16*28*cos(24), but this doesn't work. Once I have this, I can solve for B and probably C.
b.
c.
d. w=0
 
Last edited:
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Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
jacksonpeeble said:

Homework Statement


1. Some gliders are launched from the ground by means of a winch, which rapidly reels in a towing cable attached to the glider. What average power must the winch supply in order to accelerate a 188-kg ultra-light glider from rest to 24.0 m/s over a horizontal distance of 51.0 m? Assume that friction and air resistance are negligible, and that the tension in the winch cable is constant.

Homework Equations


P=W/T
W=F*D

The Attempt at a Solution


1. P=((188kg*24m/s)*51m)/(51m/24m/s)

If you're saying that T=D/vfinal, the problem with that is the glider does not have v=constant=vfinal during the entire time.

How about using T=D/vaverage, assuming constant acceleration?

Also, force F is not m vfinal. How about using the change in the glider's energy to find the work done on it?

Regards,

RB

p.s. I'd like to suggest posting your 2nd question as a separate thread.
 
Thank you very much for the reply! Since the initial velocity is 0, I believe the average velocity would be simply .5*24=12. Correct me if I'm wrong, and please excuse my clumsy mistake! :-)

Therefore 51m/12m/s=4.25s.

(188*[change in energy])*51/4.25=p

However, I still do not understand how to find the change in energy. A little clarification would be greatly appreciated. I'm probably missing something obvious, but I'm really drawing a blank.

Thanks again!
 
Shoot, that's average acceleration, isn't it...

I'm not on my game tonight. I really need help, though, the assignment is due tonight at midnight (online class).
 
Never mind...

12739.8=(24/(51/12))*188*51/(51/12)
 
jacksonpeeble said:
Thank you very much for the reply! Since the initial velocity is 0, I believe the average velocity would be simply .5*24=12. Correct me if I'm wrong, and please excuse my clumsy mistake! :-)
Correct!

Therefore 51m/12m/s=4.25s.
Yes.

.
.
.
However, I still do not understand how to find the change in energy. A little clarification would be greatly appreciated. I'm probably missing something obvious, but I'm really drawing a blank.
See below.

jacksonpeeble said:
Never mind...

12739.8=(24/(51/12))*188*51/(51/12)
Looks good. a*m*D / T = F*D/T = W/T = P :smile: I didn't check the arithmetic, but things are set up correctly on the right hand side.

To do this using energy, realize that the work done W can be converted to either kinetic or potential energy, or a combination of both. So if you can calculate the change in total energy,

ΔKE + ΔPE​

you could equate that result with the work W. This should give the same answer as a*m*D.
 

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