When a rattlesnake strikes, its head accelerates from rest to a speed of 25 m/s in 0.44 seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only moving part of the snake is its head of mass 100 g. How much (average) power does the rattlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast?
Answer in units of W
power=energy/time=.5 mass*(v^2)/time
I get about 70 watts.
To find the average power required to accelerate the rattlesnake's head, we need to use the formula:
Power = Work / Time
The work done on an object can be calculated using the formula:
Work = (1/2) * mass * velocity^2
Given that the mass of the rattlesnake's head is 100 g (0.1 kg) and the final velocity is 25 m/s, we can calculate the work done.
First, let's calculate the work:
Work = (1/2) * 0.1 kg * (25 m/s)^2
Work = (1/2) * 0.1 kg * 625 m^2/s^2
Work = 31.25 J
The time taken to accelerate from rest to a speed of 25 m/s is given as 0.44 seconds. Now we can calculate the average power:
Power = Work / Time
Power = 31.25 J / 0.44 s
Power = 71.02 W
Therefore, the rattlesnake needs an average power of approximately 71.02 Watts to accelerate its head at that speed.