Physics Problem (Power)?
When a rattlesnake strikes, its head acceler-
ates from rest to a speed of 34 m/s in 0.69 s
seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only
moving part of the snake is its head of mass
130 g.
How much (average) power does the rat-
tlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast?
Answer in units of W.
Comments
Power = Work/time
Work = change in KE
KE = 1/2 x m x v^2
mass must be in kg