Question

When a rattlesnake strikes, its head accelerates from rest to a speed of 32 m/s in 0.63 seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only moving part of the snake is its head of mass 200 g. How much (average) power does the rattlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast?

Answer 1

Answer:

Power, P = 162.53 Watts          

Explanation:

Given that,

Mass, m = 200 g = 0.2 kg

Initial speed of the snake, u = 0

Final speed of the snake, v = 32 m/s

Time, t = 0.63 s

Power of an object is given by :

$P=\dfrac{W}{t}$

$P=\dfrac{\Delta K}{t}$

$P=\dfrac{mv^2}{2t}$

$P=\dfrac{0.2\times (32)^2}{2\times 0.63}$

P = 162.53 Watts

So, the power of the rattlesnake is 162.53 Watts. Hence, this is the required solution.