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Power & Simple Machines
- Power is a measure of how quickly we put work into a system. Mathematically,
P = W t. - Since work is a transfer of energy (W=∆E), we can also formulate power as
P = ∆E t. - Finally, we can also formulate it as
[Note: this requires you to use the dot product for vectors. If you aren't familiar with dot products, this is equivalent: P = |→F| |→v| cosθ.]P = →F· →v - Power has the unit of joule per second ([J/S]). We call this a watt (W).
- Simple machines are based on the idea of conservation of energy. Instead of using a large force over a small distance, we can use a small force over a large distance and still put in an equivalent amount of work.
Power & Simple Machines
Lecture Slides are screen-captured images of important points in the lecture. Students can download and print out these lecture slide images to do practice problems as well as take notes while watching the lecture.
- Intro
- Introduction to Power & Simple Machines
- What's the Difference Between a Go-Kart, a Family Van, and a Racecar?
- Consider the Idea of Climbing a Flight of Stairs
- Power
- Alternate Formulas
- Units
- Block and Tackle, Redux
- Machines in General
- Example 1: Power of Force
- Example 2: Power &Lifting a Watermelon
- Example 3: Work and Instantaneous Power
- Example 4: Power and Acceleration of a Race car































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