Why Does My Power Calculation Yield Half the Expected Result?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the calculation of average power required for a car to accelerate over a specified distance and time. The subject area includes kinematics and dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate average power using given values but arrives at a different answer than expected. Some participants question the use of constant velocity in the calculations and suggest using a different kinematic equation. Others inquire about handling multiple unknowns in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the appropriate formula to use, and there is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the initial calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of using kinematic equations with unknown variables, which adds complexity to the problem-solving process.

MMCS
Messages
151
Reaction score
0
Can anyone see where i have went wrong? I keep getting the same wrong answer.

A 1100 kg car accelerates from rest reaching a distance of 110 m in 8.7 seconds, determine the average power in KW required to achieve this acceleration (your answer should be to 2 decimal places).

ANS = 40.43
MY ANS = 20.21

Working out

V = d/t
V= 110/8.7 = 12.64

Acc = (12.64 - 0) / 8.7 = 1.45

Force = ma
Force = 1100 x 1.45 = 1598.63

Work done = force x distance
Work done = 1598.63 x 110 = 175848

Power = WD/T
Power = 175848/8.7 = 20.21KW

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MMCS said:
V = d/t
V= 110/8.7 = 12.64

The velocity is not constant here,
you should use s = ut + [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]at2 instead
 
Thanks for your reply.
How do i use this formula if i have two unknowns for V and a
 
MMCS said:
Thanks for your reply.
How do i use this formula if i have two unknowns for V and a

You just have to find a and carry on with F=ma

P.S. I gave you the wrong formula just now :P
 
Got it, thanks mate
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K