What is the solution to the Power-Truck Problem in physics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Power-Truck Problem, which involves concepts of power, energy, and motion in physics. Participants are exploring the relationships between power, mass, velocity, and displacement, as well as the implications of these relationships over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive equations related to power and displacement but expresses uncertainty about their correctness. Some participants question the assumptions made in the calculations and suggest that constants may be missing from integrals. Others raise concerns about the implications of infinite values for velocity and acceleration as time approaches zero or infinity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing reassurance and exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the mathematical expressions, but there is still a lack of consensus on certain aspects, particularly regarding the limiting behavior of the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through complex relationships in the problem, including the effects of time on velocity and acceleration, and are considering the implications of power as a constant input. There is mention of homework constraints and the need for clarity on specific terms and equations used in the problem.

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[Solved] Power-Truck Problem

Homework Statement



powerproblem.jpg


Homework Equations



P = 0.5mv² / t
P = F * d


The Attempt at a Solution



Hey sorry again :P trying to sort out some problems...
For part 1, I'm not sure, basically, I did the equation;

P = 0.5mv^2 / t
Re-arranging to Pt = 0.5mv^2

Now velocity as a function of time;

[tex]\sqrt{\frac{2Pt}{m}}[/tex] = v (or d(displacement)/dt)

So displacement = [tex]\int\sqrt{\frac{2Pt}{m}}[/tex]
= [tex]\frac{t^1.5\sqrt{2P}}{{root of M}}[/tex]

Doesn't seem right. And;

Acceleration = [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex][tex]\sqrt{\frac{2P}{mt}}[/tex]

Sorry I know it's long but any help = great :P from here I think I can tackle the rest of the question.. also excuse my numerous latex fails :P
 
Last edited:
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Why doesn't it seem right to you? It looks alright to me so far:

If,

E ~ t​

then it seems reasonable that,

v ~ t1/2

and,

x ~ t3/2

However, I think you might be missing some constants from your integral:

[tex]\sqrt{\frac{2P}{m}} \int t^{\frac{1}{2}} dt = \sqrt{\frac{2P}{m}} \left(\frac{2}{3}t^{\frac{3}{2}}\right) + v_0[/tex]​
 
Hmm I see, however, the problem then arises for the next question;

find the limiting value for velocity;

Using my answer the limiting value would be + infinite.

It would however make sense I suppose for part C where the acceleration would be infinite as t --> 0 & 0 as t --> infinite. Would that suffice do you think?

Thanks a lot for the reassurance, this question is driving me nuts :P
 
Does this really surprise you? If you supply something steady power, P, forever, then its energy will continue to increase without bound.

Acceleration is proportional to force. Power is force*velocity, which is constant. The longer you wait, the larger the velocity is, which means that the amount of force available to you is much lower. That's your argument for t --> infinity.

Reversing this reasoning gives you an argument for t --> 0.
 
makes sense, Thanks a lot, i really appreciate it =P
 
Me again :Z just trying to get some closure on this ;X

concerning e) & f);

Would saying P=[tex]\frac{10g * d}{t}[/tex]

Going to [tex]\frac{Pt}{10g}[/tex] = Distance Moved. Be correct?

Then differentiating with respect to time --> [tex]\frac{P}{10m}[/tex] = v

Be correct? :P

Then for f) I don't understand the question, sureley it's 1:1 assuming no resistance? All of the KE --> potential energy? Or am i missing something?

No idea but maybe;

P = [tex]\frac{10g*d}{t}[/tex] + 0.5mv^2

& when v is very small? :[, no idea.

Thanks again for any help
 
I'm a little confused about what the number '10' is in your solution to (e). Have you considered taking the power to be the rate at which work is done, and then assuming that all of the work goes into increasing the car's gravitational potential energy?
 
Ah sorry! I meant mg, as in force * distance moved, my abd
 

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