What is the relation of mass and power?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of power in relation to mass, distance, and time, particularly in a scenario involving an object moving uphill. Participants explore the formulas for work and power, and the necessary information required to perform these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the formula W=Fx, where force is calculated as mass times gravitational acceleration, to determine work, and then applying P=wt to find power.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for additional information to accurately determine work and power, citing a specific example with mass, distance, and time.
  • A later reply introduces a hypothetical scenario involving a woman running uphill, questioning whether the initial process for calculating power is applicable.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the specifics of the hill's incline and whether the stated height is the vertical height or the length of the incline.
  • One participant tentatively agrees with the initial approach, assuming certain conditions such as altitude and efficiency, while ignoring friction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sufficiency of the information provided for calculations, with some agreeing on the approach under specific assumptions while others highlight the need for more details.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity regarding the incline of the hill and whether the height mentioned is vertical or along the slope, which affects the calculations of work and power.

Generally Confused
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How should power be calculated in a situation where distance and time are both given, as well as mass. At first, I was thinking of just using W=Fx (force as mass x 9.8) to solve for work, and then I would take the solution for work and put it into P=wt.

Does this make sense? That's my best guess, but I'd really appreciate if you could tell me whether or not I am handling mass correctly.
 
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Generally Confused said:
How should power be calculated in a situation where distance and time are both given, as well as mass. At first, I was thinking of just using W=Fx (force as mass x 9.8) to solve for work, and then I would take the solution for work and put it into P=wt.

Does this make sense? That's my best guess, but I'd really appreciate if you could tell me whether or not I am handling mass correctly.

You haven't given enough information to be able to tell. For example if an object of mass 2 kg is located 3 m away for a time of 4 s, then I've been given mass, distance, and time. But I need more details to be able to determine the work done and the power developed.
 
Mister T said:
You haven't given enough information to be able to tell. For example if an object of mass 2 kg is located 3 m away for a time of 4 s, then I've been given mass, distance, and time. But I need more details to be able to determine the work done and the power developed.

Alright. So take a woman weighing about 50kg running uphill. If the hill is 5m, how much power would be required for her to reach the top in 3 seconds? (Sorry, this is sort of a bad example, but I figured it kind of demonstrates the format.) Does the process I explained work for this?
 
Generally Confused said:
Alright. So take a woman weighing about 50kg running uphill. If the hill is 5m, how much power would be required for her to reach the top in 3 seconds?

still not enough info

what is the angular incline of the hill ?
is the 5m you state the height of the hill or the length of the incline slope ?
 
Generally Confused said:
Alright. So take a woman weighing about 50kg running uphill. If the hill is 5m, how much power would be required for her to reach the top in 3 seconds? (Sorry, this is sort of a bad example, but I figured it kind of demonstrates the format.) Does the process I explained work for this?

Assuming an altitude of 5 m, yes; ignoring friction and assuming she's 100% efficient.
 

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