Calculating Power Output: A Homemade Ice Cream Maker

In summary, a person is making homemade ice cream and exerting a force of 22 N on the free end of a crank handle, which moves in a circular path with a radius of 0.25 m. The force is always applied parallel to the handle's motion. To calculate average power, we use the formula P=F*V, and since the handle turns once every 2.0 s, the average power being expended is 2.75 W. However, this answer is incorrect because the handle does not move 0.25 m, but instead moves around a circle with a circumference equal to the total distance moved. To find the correct answer, we need to calculate the circumference of the circle.
  • #1
shawonna23
146
0
A person is making homemade ice cream. She exerts a force of magnitude 22 N on the free end of the crank handle, and this end moves in a circular path of radius 0.25 m. The force is always applied parallel to the motion of the handle. If the handle is turned once every 2.0 s, what is the average power being expended?

I know that Power=Work/Time or P=F*V

so P= 22cos360 * .25/2 =2.75w

but my answer is wrong. What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Notice that the handle does not move 0.25m, it moves around a circle whos radius is 0.25m. Find the circumference of this circle to find the total distance moved.
 
  • #3


Your calculation for power is correct, but you may have forgotten to convert the time from 2.0 seconds to 1.0 second, since the power formula requires time to be in units of seconds. So the correct calculation would be P= 22cos360 * .25/1 = 11w. This is the average power being expended by the person as they turn the handle once every 2.0 seconds.
 

1. How does a homemade ice cream maker work?

A homemade ice cream maker works by churning a mixture of cream, sugar, and flavorings while simultaneously freezing it. This creates a creamy texture that is similar to commercially made ice cream. The churning process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which makes the ice cream light and fluffy.

2. How do I calculate the power output of a homemade ice cream maker?

To calculate the power output of a homemade ice cream maker, you will need to know the amount of energy used by the motor and the time it takes to make the ice cream. The formula for power output is power = energy/time. So, if the motor uses 500 watts of energy and it takes 30 minutes to make the ice cream, the power output would be 500 watts/0.5 hours = 1000 watts or 1 kilowatt.

3. Can I use any type of motor for a homemade ice cream maker?

Yes, you can use any type of motor for a homemade ice cream maker as long as it has enough power to churn the mixture and freeze it. Some common types of motors used in homemade ice cream makers include electric motors, hand-cranked motors, and even bicycle-powered motors.

4. What factors affect the power output of a homemade ice cream maker?

The main factors that affect the power output of a homemade ice cream maker are the type of motor used, the speed at which it churns the mixture, and the amount of time it takes to make the ice cream. Other factors such as the temperature and consistency of the mixture can also impact the power output.

5. Is there a way to increase the power output of a homemade ice cream maker?

Yes, there are a few ways to increase the power output of a homemade ice cream maker. These include using a more powerful motor, increasing the speed at which the motor churns the mixture, and reducing the time it takes to make the ice cream. Additionally, using a mixture with a higher fat content can also help increase the power output as it will require more energy to churn and freeze.

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