Power Equation: Instantaneous vs Average Velocity

In summary, the version of the power equation discussed relates to physical situations by calculating instantaneous power, which is a rate of change of position times a force. This is different from work, which is force times distance. The equation involves differentiating both sides with respect to time.
  • #1
Skrphys
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How does this version of the power equation relate to physical situations? Does the value you get give you an instantaneous power? Or is the velocity to be taken as the average velocity (an actual displacement over time)?
 
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  • #2
Skrphys said:
How does this version of the power equation relate to physical situations? Does the value you get give you an instantaneous power? Or is the velocity to be taken as the average velocity (an actual displacement over time)?
Power is instantaneous. It's a rate of change of position times a Force.
Work is Force times distance and that is very familiar. For power, you are just differentiating both sides with respect to time.
 
  • #3
Skrphys said:
How does this version of the power equation relate to physical situations? Does the value you get give you an instantaneous power? Or is the velocity to be taken as the average velocity (an actual displacement over time)?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_(physics)#Mechanical_power
 
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What is the Power Equation?

The Power Equation is a mathematical formula that relates power, velocity, and force. It can be written as P = Fv, where P is power, F is force, and v is velocity.

What is the difference between Instantaneous and Average Velocity?

Instantaneous velocity refers to the velocity of an object at a specific point in time, while average velocity is the average of all the velocities over a certain period of time. Instantaneous velocity is calculated using the slope of the position-time graph, while average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time.

How do Instantaneous and Average Velocity affect the Power Equation?

Instantaneous velocity is used in the Power Equation to calculate the power of an object at a specific moment in time. Average velocity, on the other hand, is used to calculate the average power over a certain period of time.

What are some real-world applications of the Power Equation?

The Power Equation is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and sports. It can be applied to calculate the power output of a car engine, the power generated by a wind turbine, or the power of a baseball player's swing.

How does the Power Equation relate to other equations in physics?

The Power Equation is closely related to other equations in physics, such as Newton's Second Law (F = ma) and Work-Energy Theorem (W = ΔKE). It can also be used in conjunction with equations for distance, time, and acceleration to solve problems involving power and velocity.

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