Power problem -- Mule pulling a wagon, convert work and power to time

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a mule pulling a wagon loaded with gold, with a specified power output of 746 watts and a total work done of 23,500,000 joules. The main question is to determine the time interval for this work based on the relationship between power, work, and time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula relating power, work, and time, with some expressing uncertainty about how to rearrange the formula to find time. Questions arise about the conversion of units and the interpretation of power in terms of joules.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants attempting to clarify the relationships between the quantities involved. Guidance has been offered on rearranging the formula, but there remains a lack of consensus on the approach to take, and some participants express frustration with the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention difficulties with understanding the units involved and the basic algebra required for the calculations. There is also a reference to the challenge of mastering introductory physics concepts, which may influence their confidence in tackling the problem.

Kaneki
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Homework Statement



a mule is pulling a load of gold on a wagon. If the mules power output is 746 watts. if in a certain time interval the total work done by the team on the wagon was 23,500,000 j, how long was that interval of time

Homework Equations


I think its power = work divided by time

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't have one
 
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Kaneki said:

Homework Statement



a mule is pulling a load of gold on a wagon. If the mules power output is 746 watts. if in a certain time interval the total work done by the team on the wagon was 23,500,000 j, how long was that interval of time

Homework Equations


I think its power = work divided by time

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't have one

Why don't you try to use power=work/time? What is a watt in units of joules? Just try.
 
Dick said:
Why don't you try to use power=work/time. Just try.
that's the thing, I don't know the numbers. The time isn't mentioned so I would have to re arrange the formula. My guess would be work times power or work divided by time. Like 746 times 746 times 23,500,000 or divided that. I am dumb and I can't figure it out.
 
Kaneki said:
that's the thing, I don't know the numbers. The time isn't mentioned so I would have to re arrange the formula. My guess would be work times power or work divided by time. Like 746 times 746 times 23,500,000 or divided that. I am dumb and I can't figure it out.

I'll rearrange it for you. If power=work/time then time=work/power. I'm dumb is pretty weak excuse. You have to do something here. Now try and do it. Look things up if you have to.
 
Dick said:
I'll rearrange it for you. If power=work/time then time=work/power. I'm dumb is pretty weak excuse. You have to do something here. Now try and do it. Look things up if you have to.
Would we have have to convert 746 watts into jouls? It would be 3,600,000. So will it be 23,500,000/3,600,000 = 1.44? I am sorry, it's not an excuse but it's hard for me to actually just sit down and think. Thats why I won't do AP physics next year.
 
Kaneki said:
Would we have have to convert 746 watts into jouls? It would be 3,600,000. So will it be 23,500,000/3,600,000 = 1.44? I am sorry, it's not an excuse but it's hard for me to actually just sit down and think. Thats why I won't do AP physics next year.

Sorry, but if this one is a challenge then you probably shouldn't try AP physics. A watt is a joule/second. This is actually pretty elementary material. It's just dealing with basic algebra and physics units. I don't know what to say.
 
The time isn't mentioned so I would have to re arrange the formula. My guess would be work times power or work divided by time.

The formula you quoted was..

power(W) = work(J) divided by time(S)

So rearranging that gives..

Time(S) = work(J) divided by power(W).
 
Kaneki said:
Would we have have to convert 746 watts into jouls? I
Mastering introductory physics is initially made a little more difficult because units of many quantities go by a number of names.

The Joule is another name for a Newton.metre, and you can remind yourself of this by memorizing the formula W = F.s
The Watt is another name for a Joule/second or a Newton.metre/second, this comes from the formula P = W/t

So there is a second reason for memorizing formulae---not only are they needed for calculations, but once you realize how they also help you with the names of units, equations are immensely valuable tools of trade, whatever area of science you are dealing with.

BTW, that 746 conversion factor is for hp to watts, but there is no mention of horsepower anywhere here. You are already given the mule's power in watts.
 
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