Calculating Power for a Winch Launching an Ultralight Glider

In summary, to accelerate a 189-kg ultralight glider from rest to 20.5 m/s over a horizontal distance of 52.2 m, a winch must supply an average power of approximately 96684.84 watts for a time of 2.54 seconds. This is calculated by finding the work done on the glider, which is equal to its change in kinetic energy, and then using the formula for power to find the average power needed.
  • #1
iaberrant
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0

Homework Statement



Some gliders are launched from the ground by means of a winch, which rapidly reels in a towing cable attached to the glider. What average power must the winch supply in order to accelerate a 189-kg ultralight glider from rest to 20.5 m/s over a horizontal distance of 52.2 m? Assume that friction and air resistance are negligible, and that the tension in the winch cable is constant.

Homework Equations



the formula for power = Work/ time
the formula for work = force x distance

The Attempt at a Solution



work= force x distance
= 189 x 9.8 x 52.2
=96684.84

then to find power= 96684.84 / time ?
do I use the velocity to find the time?
so it would be t= 52.2m/20.5 m/s
= 2.54 seconds?

is this correct? I'm confused as how to do this
 
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  • #2
The winch pulls the glider horizontally, so don't use formulas for potential energy, as that won't change. The only thing changing for the glider is its kinetic energy. Use that to find work.
 

1. What is work and energy?

Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force. Energy is the ability to do work.

2. How is work calculated?

Work is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the distance it moves in the direction of the force. The formula for work is W = F*d, where W is work, F is force, and d is distance.

3. What is the relationship between work and energy?

Work and energy are closely related, as work is a way to transfer energy from one object to another. The work done on an object increases its energy, and the work done by an object decreases its energy.

4. How are work and energy measured?

Work is measured in joules (J), which is the same unit as energy. Other commonly used units for work and energy include foot-pounds (ft-lb) and kilowatt-hours (kWh).

5. What are some real-life examples of work and energy?

Some real-life examples of work and energy include lifting a weight, pushing a car, and riding a bike. Other examples include using electricity to power a lightbulb, and using gasoline to power a car's engine.

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