Power, Force, Velocity and Acceration

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between power, force, velocity, and acceleration in a hypothetical scenario involving a car on a frictionless surface. The participants clarify that if the car's engine produces a constant power (P), the force (F) must decrease as velocity (v) increases, leading to a decrease in acceleration over time. The assertion that a car can accelerate on a frictionless landscape is challenged, emphasizing that without net force, the car cannot achieve acceleration. The equation P=Fv is highlighted as a critical concept in understanding this dynamic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with the concept of power in physics (P=Fv)
  • Knowledge of basic kinematics, including velocity and acceleration
  • Comprehension of frictionless surfaces in physics scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Newton's Second Law in various physical contexts
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the equation P=Fv
  • Investigate the effects of friction on motion and acceleration
  • Learn about energy conservation in frictionless systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of mechanics, particularly those studying motion dynamics and the relationships between force, power, and acceleration.

Harmony
Messages
201
Reaction score
0
Is the statement below wrong?

1. Assume a car is traveling on a frictionless landscape. The car engine has a constant power,P.
2. The engine produces a force, which equals to the total resultant force act upon the car.
3. F=ma. So the car should be traveling in acceration.
4.through time, the velocity increase as there is acceration.
5. Since P is constant, and P=Fv, F shall decrease as v increase. The total resultant force shall decrease throughout time.
6. Acceleration will decrease.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Harmony said:
Is the statement below wrong?
1. Assume a car is traveling on a frictionless landscape. The car engine has a constant power,P.
This cannot be, in a "frictionless landscape" the car will not move.
2. The engine produces a force, which equals to the total resultant force act upon the car.
3. F=ma. So the car should be traveling in acceration.
Given 2, 3 is incorrect. If the force produced by the engine equals the other forces (I thought this was a frictionless landscape?) Then there is on net force therefore no acceleration. At best, if we ignore, 1. the car moves at a constant velocity.
4.through time, the velocity increase as there is acceration.
No motion, no velocity, no acceleration. OR Constant velocity, no acceleration.
5. Since P is constant, and P=Fv, F shall decrease as v increase. The total resultant force shall decrease throughout time.
Please explain P=Fv ? What is this? Where did it come from? What does it mean?
6. Acceleration will decrease.

There are so many incorrect statements that the last has no meaning.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K