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Grade upto college level Mechanics

The power output from a motor on a trolley is a function of velocity and is given by P(v) = av(b - v2), where a and b are constants and P = 0 for v2 > b. (a) At what speed is the maximum power output from the motor? (b) At what speed is maximum force exerted by the motor? (c) At v = 0 the power output is zero. Does this mean that the motor will be unable to move the trolley if it is originally at rest? Explain.

Profile image of Amit Saxena
11 Years agoGrade upto college level
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Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

Let's break down your question about the power output of a motor on a trolley, which is defined by the equation P(v) = av(b - v²). This equation gives us a clear relationship between power output (P) and velocity (v), where 'a' and 'b' are constants. We'll tackle each part of your question step by step.

Finding Maximum Power Output

To determine the speed at which the maximum power output occurs, we need to find the critical points of the power function. This involves taking the derivative of P(v) with respect to v and setting it to zero.

Step 1: Differentiate P(v)

The power function is:

P(v) = av(b - v²)

Using the product rule, we differentiate:

P'(v) = a[b - v²](-2v) + ab = ab - 2av²

Step 2: Set the derivative to zero

Now, we set P'(v) = 0 to find the critical points:

ab - 2av² = 0

2av² = ab

v² = b/2

Thus, the maximum power output occurs at:

v = √(b/2)

Determining Maximum Force Exerted

Next, we want to find the speed at which the maximum force is exerted by the motor. The force exerted by the motor can be derived from the relationship between power and force:

Step 1: Relate Power and Force

Power is also defined as:

P = F * v

From this, we can express force as:

F = P/v

Step 2: Substitute P(v) into the Force Equation

Substituting our power function into this equation gives:

F(v) = (av(b - v²))/v = a(b - v²)

Step 3: Find Maximum Force

To find the maximum force, we differentiate F(v) with respect to v:

F'(v) = -2av

Setting F'(v) = 0 gives:

-2av = 0

This implies that the maximum force occurs at:

v = 0

Understanding Power Output at Rest

Now, let's address the situation when the trolley is at rest (v = 0). According to the power equation, when v = 0:

P(0) = a(0)(b - 0²) = 0

This indicates that the power output is zero when the trolley is stationary. However, this does not mean that the motor cannot move the trolley from rest.

Force vs. Power

While power is zero at rest, the motor can still exert a force. In fact, the maximum force is exerted at v = 0, which means the motor has the capability to start moving the trolley. The key point here is that power is a function of both force and velocity. At rest, the velocity is zero, leading to zero power output, but the motor can still apply a force sufficient to overcome static friction and initiate movement.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, motors are designed to provide a starting torque that allows them to overcome inertia and friction. Therefore, even though the power output is zero at rest, the motor is capable of moving the trolley once it starts to turn.

In summary, the maximum power output occurs at v = √(b/2), the maximum force is exerted at v = 0, and the motor can indeed move the trolley from rest despite having zero power output at that moment. This interplay between force and power is crucial in understanding motor dynamics.