Solving Tennis Serve Force w/ Constant Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to a tennis serve, specifically focusing on the relationship between power, force, and velocity during a constant acceleration scenario. The original poster presents a situation where a tennis ball accelerates from rest to a final speed of 32.3 m/s, with an average power output of 2672 Watts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the power formula P = F v and question whether dividing power by final velocity is appropriate. There is also an exploration of the need to find total time for the problem and clarification on using average velocity instead of final velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on the correct approach to using average values in the context of the problem. There is acknowledgment of the need to clarify the distinction between average and instantaneous power, as well as the appropriate velocity to use in calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of using average versus final values in their calculations, and there is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the variables involved in the problem.

goonking
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Homework Statement



During a tennis serve, the ball goes from rest to approximately 32.3 m/s. The average power generated during the serve is equal to 2672 Watts. If the acceleration is constant during the serve, what is the magnitude of the force acting on the ball?

Homework Equations



P= F v

The Attempt at a Solution


they give us the power generated which is 2672 Watts and final velocity to be 32.3 m/s. Do we just divide 2672 watts by 32.3 m/s?
 
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goonking said:

Homework Statement



During a tennis serve, the ball goes from rest to approximately 32.3 m/s. The average power generated during the serve is equal to 2672 Watts. If the acceleration is constant during the serve, what is the magnitude of the force acting on the ball?

Homework Equations



P= F v

The Attempt at a Solution


they give us the power generated which is 2672 Watts and final velocity to be 32.3 m/s. Do we just divide 2672 watts by 32.3 m/s?
No, the power given is average power, not instantaneous power.
 
PhanthomJay said:
No, the power given is average power, not instantaneous power.
i'm assuming we have to find the total time for this problem, correct?
 
goonking said:
i'm assuming we have to find the total time for this problem, correct?
No, you were on track with your solution using the relationship between power , force, and speed per your relevant equation. Except you used the final speed for v in error. Instead, what value should you use for v when you are dealing with average values?
 
PhanthomJay said:
No, you were on track with your solution using the relationship between power , force, and speed per your relevant equation. Except you used the final speed for v in error. Instead, what value should you use for v when you are dealing with average values?
ahh, the average velocity which is 32.3 - 0 / 2 = 16.15 m/s
 
goonking said:
ahh, the average velocity which is 32.3 - 0 / 2 = 16.15 m/s
Yes
 

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