Question

When a rattlesnake strikes, its head accelerates from rest to a speed of 22 m/s in 0.48 seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only moving part of the snake is its head of mass 170 g. How much (average) power does the rattlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast? Answer in units of W.

Answer 1

P = 85.72 W

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Initial speed, u = 0

Final speed, v = 22 m/s

Time, t = 0.48 s

Mass, m = 170 g = 0.17 kg

Let a be the acceleration of the rattlesnake.

`a=(v-u)/(t)\\\\a=(22-0)/(0.48)\\\\a=45.84\ m/s^2`

Let x is the displacement of a rattlesnake. It can be given by :

`x=ut+(1)/(2)at^2\\\\x=0+(1)/(2)* 45.84* (0.48)^2\\\\x=5.28\ m`

The power of the rattlesnake is given by :

`P=(W)/(t)\\\\P=(m* a* x)/(t)\\\\P=(0.17* 45.84* 5.28)/(0.48)\\\\P=85.72\ W`

So, the power of the rattlesnake is 85.72 W.