How Much Work Is Done by an Olympic Triathlete Accelerating on Her Bicycle?

In summary, kinetic energy is the energy of a moving object and is dependent on its mass and velocity. In the context of bicycles, it refers to the energy generated as the rider pedals and the wheels turn, and can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2. The mass and velocity of a bicycle directly affect its kinetic energy, with a greater mass and faster velocity resulting in a higher amount of kinetic energy.
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Homework Statement


How much work is done by an Olympic triathlete who accelerates herself on her bicycle (combined mass of 105kg) from 5 m/s to 10 m/s?


Homework Equations


Ek = 1/2mv^2
W = Fapp(d)


The Attempt at a Solution


Ek = 1/2m[(5 + 10)/2]^2

how do i go about solving this?
 
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  • #2
Work is the change in energy of an object. So how much did she start with, and how much did she end up with.
 
  • #3
Is the answer 3937.5 joules?
 

FAQ: How Much Work Is Done by an Olympic Triathlete Accelerating on Her Bicycle?

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy that a moving object possesses due to its motion. It is a form of mechanical energy and is dependent on the mass and velocity of the object.

How is kinetic energy related to bicycles?

In the context of bicycles, kinetic energy refers to the energy that is generated as the rider pedals and the wheels turn. This energy is then used to propel the bicycle forward.

How does the mass of a bicycle affect its kinetic energy?

The mass of a bicycle directly affects its kinetic energy. The greater the mass of the bicycle, the greater the amount of kinetic energy it will have when in motion.

How does the velocity of a bicycle affect its kinetic energy?

The velocity of a bicycle also plays a significant role in its kinetic energy. The faster a bicycle is moving, the greater its kinetic energy will be. This is because kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the velocity.

How can the kinetic energy of a bicycle be calculated?

The kinetic energy of a bicycle can be calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the bicycle and v is the velocity. The unit of kinetic energy is joules (J).

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