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Lab 8 Work and Power Fall 2021

This laboratory assignment focuses on the concepts of work and power, defined as the product of force and displacement, and the rate of work done over time, respectively. Students will measure and analyze the work and power involved in different stair climbing conditions, including variations in weight and step patterns. The assignment aims to provide a hands-on understanding of these mechanical principles and their implications in athletic performance and clinical settings.

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2 views

Lab 8 Work and Power Fall 2021

This laboratory assignment focuses on the concepts of work and power, defined as the product of force and displacement, and the rate of work done over time, respectively. Students will measure and analyze the work and power involved in different stair climbing conditions, including variations in weight and step patterns. The assignment aims to provide a hands-on understanding of these mechanical principles and their implications in athletic performance and clinical settings.

Uploaded by

luke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: ________________________

Laboratory 8

Assignment

Work and Power

Aims and Objectives

Introduction
Mechanical work has a precise definition. Biomechanically speaking, work is the product of
force and displacement. More specifically, mechanical work is the product of force and the
amount of displacement in the direction of that force. Mathematically, work is expressed as:
𝑊 = Fd
W = work
F = force
d = displacement
Nm = Joule (J)

It is important to note that work can be positive or negative. Positive work is when net muscle
torque and angular motion at the joint are in the same direction (i.e. concentric action of the quad
going up a stairway). Negative work is when net muscle torque and angular motion at the joint
are in opposite directions (i.e. eccentric action of the quad going down a stairway).

Power is the amount of mechanical work performed in a given amount of time. Mathematically,
power can be expressed in various ways as noted below:
𝑊 Fd
𝑃= 𝑃= 𝑃 = F𝑣
𝑡 𝑡
P = power
t = time
v = velocity
J/s = watts (W)
1 watt = 0.0013 horsepower (HP)

Mechanical power is a critical variable in athletic performance and is strongly associated with
maximum isometric strength and overall exercise intensity. Clinically speaking, muscular power
Name: ________________________

is a critical variable in elderly populations where muscular power decreases exponentially,


leading to increased risk of falls and injury.

The purpose of this laboratory experience is to provide a hands on approach for appreciating the
concepts of work and power.

Equipment Needed
• Stop watch
• Measuring tape
• Weight
• Person

Procedures
You will need a stopwatch, tape measure, weight, and a person.
You will be timing how long it takes for your lab partner to run up a flight of stairs (1) one step
at a time, (2) two steps at a time, (3) one step at a time with additional weight, and (4) down the
stairs one step at a time.
The first step is determining the vertical displacement your lab partner will run:

Height of stair: ______m Number of stairs: ______steps displacement: ______m

1-Step Up (1) 2-Step Up (2) 1-Step 1-Step Down


Weighted (3)
(4)

Weight (N)

Displacement(m)

Work (J)

Time (t)

Power (W)

Velocity (m/s)

Power (HP)
Name: ________________________

Questions Answer each question completely and clearly


1. Compare and contrast the differences, or similarities, in work and power between
conditions 1, 2, and 4. Explain why you think these differences/similarities occurred.

2. Compare and contrast the differences/similarities in work and power between conditions
1 and 3. Explain why these are prevalent.

3. Which condition had the highest work? Power? Velocity? Explain why that particular
condition had the highest value for the corresponding dependent measure.

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