A 1.1 kg seagull takes off from a piling along the California coast and accelerates in 0.50 s to a flight speed of 7.5 m/s. The seagull flies along a slightly inclined path, such that at the end of the 0.50 s period, it is 5.3 m above its point of takeoff. What average power is delivered by the bird's wings during the takeoff?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average power delivered by the bird's wings during takeoff can be calculated by finding the total work done (kinetic plus potential energy change) and dividing it by the time. The kinetic energy change is $\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}(1.1)(7.5)^2$, and the potential energy change is $mgh = (1.1)(9.8)(5.3)$. Adding these and dividing by the time (0.50 s) gives the average power, which is approximately 180 W.

A 11 Kg Seagull Takes Off from a Piling Along the the California