When A Machine Does 250 Joules Of Work In 10 Seconds, What Is The Power That It Develops In Watts?
Introduction
In the world of physics, power is a crucial concept that measures the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is an essential parameter in understanding various physical phenomena, from the efficiency of engines to the performance of electrical devices. In this article, we will delve into the concept of power, its unit of measurement, and how to calculate it using the given information.
What is Power?
Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is a measure of the amount of work done per unit time. In other words, power is the rate at which energy is converted from one form to another. The unit of measurement for power is the watt (W), which is defined as one joule per second (J/s).
Calculating Power
To calculate the power developed by a machine, we need to know the amount of work done and the time taken to do that work. The formula for calculating power is:
Power (P) = Work (W) / Time (t)
where P is the power in watts (W), W is the work done in joules (J), and t is the time taken in seconds (s).
Given Information
In this problem, we are given that a machine does 250 joules of work in 10 seconds. We need to calculate the power developed by the machine in watts.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Identify the given values: The work done (W) is 250 joules, and the time taken (t) is 10 seconds.
- Plug in the values: Substitute the given values into the formula for calculating power:
P = W / t P = 250 J / 10 s 3. Calculate the power: Perform the division to calculate the power developed by the machine:
P = 25 W
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a machine does 250 joules of work in 10 seconds, the power developed by the machine is 25 watts. This calculation demonstrates the importance of understanding the concept of power and its unit of measurement in the world of physics.
Real-World Applications
The concept of power has numerous real-world applications, including:
- Electrical engineering: Power is a crucial parameter in designing and optimizing electrical systems, such as power plants, transmission lines, and electrical devices.
- Mechanical engineering: Power is essential in understanding the performance of mechanical systems, such as engines, motors, and gearboxes.
- Energy efficiency: Power is a key factor in determining the energy efficiency of various systems, including buildings, vehicles, and appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the unit of measurement for power? The unit of measurement for power is the watt (W), which is defined as one joule per second (J/s).
- How is power calculated? Power is calculated using the formula: P = W / t, where P is the power in watts (W), W is the work done in joules (J), and t is the time taken in seconds (s).
- What is the difference between power and energy? Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, while energy is the total amount of work done or the capacity to do work.
Additional Resources
For further reading and understanding of the concept of power, we recommend the following resources:
- Textbooks: "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca, "Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics" by Russell C. Hibbeler.
- Online resources: Khan Academy, Physics Classroom, HyperPhysics.
- Research papers: "Power and Energy" by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), "Power Electronics" by the IEEE Power Electronics Society.
Power Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers =====================================================
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the concept of power and its unit of measurement. We also provided a step-by-step solution to calculate the power developed by a machine. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to power.
Q1: What is the difference between power and energy?
A1: Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, while energy is the total amount of work done or the capacity to do work. To illustrate this, consider a light bulb: the energy consumed by the light bulb is the total amount of electrical energy used to produce light, while the power is the rate at which this energy is consumed.
Q2: What is the unit of measurement for power?
A2: The unit of measurement for power is the watt (W), which is defined as one joule per second (J/s). This means that if a machine does 1 joule of work in 1 second, its power is 1 watt.
Q3: How is power calculated?
A3: Power is calculated using the formula: P = W / t, where P is the power in watts (W), W is the work done in joules (J), and t is the time taken in seconds (s). For example, if a machine does 250 joules of work in 10 seconds, its power is:
P = 250 J / 10 s P = 25 W
Q4: What is the difference between instantaneous power and average power?
A4: Instantaneous power is the power at a specific instant in time, while average power is the total power over a given period of time. To illustrate this, consider a machine that does 100 joules of work in 10 seconds. The instantaneous power at 5 seconds is 10 W, while the average power over the 10-second period is 10 W.
Q5: How is power related to energy?
A5: Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. In other words, power is the energy transferred per unit time. For example, if a machine does 100 joules of work in 10 seconds, its power is 10 W, and the energy transferred is 100 J.
Q6: What is the relationship between power and voltage?
A6: Power is related to voltage and current through the formula: P = V x I, where P is the power in watts (W), V is the voltage in volts (V), and I is the current in amperes (A). This means that if the voltage and current are doubled, the power is quadrupled.
Q7: How is power used in real-world applications?
A7: Power is used in a wide range of real-world applications, including:
- Electrical engineering: Power is a crucial parameter in designing and optimizing electrical systems, such as power plants, transmission lines, and electrical devices.
- Mechanical engineering: Power is essential in understanding the performance of mechanical systems, such as engines, motors, and gearboxes.
- Energy efficiency: Power is a key factor in determining the energy efficiency of various systems, including buildings, vehicles, and appliances.
Q8: What are some common power-related terms?
A8: Some common power-related terms include:
- Watt (W): the unit of measurement for power
- Joule (J): the unit of measurement for energy
- Voltage (V): the potential difference between two points
- Current (I): the flow of electric charge
- Resistance (R): the opposition to the flow of electric charge
Conclusion
In conclusion, power is a fundamental concept in physics and engineering that measures the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. We hope that this Q&A article has provided a better understanding of power and its applications. If you have any further questions or topics you would like to discuss, please feel free to ask.