Power Calculation for a Car Driving on a Hilly Road with a Given Slope

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the power delivered by a car's engine while driving up a hilly road with a slope of 30°, the macroscopic energy equation can be applied. The total energy includes both kinetic and potential energy, represented as E = KE + PE. The challenge arises from the unknown time variable (t) in the power equation, prompting a need to consider changes in energy over time. It is essential to focus on the instantaneous power, which is defined as P = dE/dt, to accurately determine the power output. Understanding these energy variations is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
LauraMorrison
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Homework Statement



A car of mass 850 kg is driven at a steady speed of 70 km/hr up a hilly road
with a slope of 30°. Using the macroscopic energy equation, determine the
power delivered by the engine of the car.

Homework Equations


E= KE + PE
E = (1/2)mC^(2) + mgz
Power = E/t

The Attempt at a Solution



My attempt at a solution was:
E = 1/2mC^(2) + mg(Ctsin(30))
E = 1/2(850)(19.44)^(2) + (850)(9.81)(19.44)tsin(30)

Therefore

Power = (1/2(850)(19.44)^(2))/t + (850)(9.81)(19.44)sin(30)

Why do I still have an unknown t? I am supposed to be able to solve it with the information given but I can't get it!
Please please help!
 
Last edited:
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Your problem is with
LauraMorrison said:
Power = E/t
You should be considering variations...
 
Do you mean the variations in potential and kinetic energy as the car drives up the hill? I am not sure how to calculate that, would you be able to explain?

I am sorry, I know it is such a simple question.
 
If you write ##P = E/t##, think what happens if the car is going at constant speed on a flat road.

The power is used to change the energy of the car, so you have to consider ##P = \Delta E / \Delta t## or, even better, the instantaneous power ##P = dE / dt##.

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate with further questions if it doesn't!
 

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