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LABORATORY-ACTIVITY-OLEA-ASHLEY-E.

The laboratory activity focuses on calculating and analyzing the power output of an individual while climbing stairs, using measurements of weight, height, and time. Key concepts include work, power, and gravitational force, with formulas provided for calculations. The experiment demonstrates that power output is inversely related to time, highlighting the importance of speed over weight in maximizing power output.

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ashleyyoleaa
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0 views

LABORATORY-ACTIVITY-OLEA-ASHLEY-E.

The laboratory activity focuses on calculating and analyzing the power output of an individual while climbing stairs, using measurements of weight, height, and time. Key concepts include work, power, and gravitational force, with formulas provided for calculations. The experiment demonstrates that power output is inversely related to time, highlighting the importance of speed over weight in maximizing power output.

Uploaded by

ashleyyoleaa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LABORATORY ACTIVITY - PHYSICS

TITLE: POWER

OBJECTIVE:

● To calculate and analyze the power output of an individual while climbing stairs by
measuring their weight, the height of the stairs, and the time it takes to climb the stairs.
● This experiment will help understand the relationship between work, force, distance,
and power, as well as the speed.

THEORY:

For this lab experiment, the key theory is Work and Power from physics. Specifically, you
would apply the following concepts:

1. Work (W):
Work is done when a force is exerted on an object, and it moves a certain distance. The
formula for work is:

W=Fxd

2. Power (P):

Power is the rate at which work is done, or how much work is performed per unit of time. The
formula for power is:

P = W/t

3. Gravitational Force:

The force of gravity acting on the person is used to calculate weight. Weight is the force due to
gravity and is given by:

F=mxg
PROCEDURE:

1. Determine your weight in newtons. If your school has a scale that weighs in kilograms,
multiply your mass in kilograms by 9.8 m/s² to determine your weight in newtons. If your
school has a scale that weighs in pounds, you can use the conversion factor of 4.45
N/lb.

2. Divide into pairs. Have your partner use the stopwatch to time how long it takes you to
walk quickly up the stairs. Record the time. Then switch roles and repeat.

3. Measure the height of one step in meters. Multiply the number of steps by the height of
one step to get the total height of the stairway.

4. Multiply your weight in newtons by the height of the stairs in meters to get the work you
did in joules. Recall the work equation: work = force × distance, or W = F × d.

5. To get your power in watts, divide the work done in joules by the time in seconds that it
took you to climb the stairs.

DRAWING OF SET UP:

14
STE

RECORD OF DATA AND RESULTS:

COMPUTATIONS:

a.) Convert Weight to Newtons


Formula:
Weight (N) = Mass (kg) × 9.8 m/s²

= (52)(9.8) = 509.6N

b.) Calculate Total Height of Stairs

Formula:
Total height = Height per step × Number of steps

= (0.15)(14) = 2.1m

c.) Calculate Work (Joules)

Formula:
Work = Force × Distance

= (509.6)(2.1) = 1070.16J

d.) Calculate Power (Watts)

Formula:
Power = Work / Time

P = 1070.16/3.63 = 294.88 W

GRAPH/CHART IF NECESSARY:

DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS:

The data shows that Ashley produced more power than her partner Berlin, even though their
weights were quite similar. This difference is mainly because Ashley took less time to climb the
stairs (3.63 seconds). Since power is inversely related to time, a shorter time leads to higher
power output.
The calculation is based on basic physics principles. The force exerted (weight in newtons)
multiplied by the distance climbed (height of the stairs) gives the total work done. When this
work is divided by the time taken, it results in the power output, measured in watts.

CONCLUSIONS:

This lab demonstrated the relationship between time, weight, and power output when climbing
stairs. From the calculations, we observed that Ashley, who took less time to climb the stairs,
generated more power than Berlin, despite the close similarity in their weights. This supports the
idea that power output is inversely proportional to time, meaning the faster the task is
completed, the higher the power output.

The results showed that weight plays a role in the total work done, as a greater weight leads to
more work being performed, but the time taken to complete the task is more crucial for
increasing power.

Overall, the key takeaway is that to maximize power output, reducing the time it takes to
perform the task is more impactful than focusing on the weight being carried.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:

1. How would your power output change if you walked up the stairs faster?
- The power increases. Since the formula (W=mg×h) is constant, if the speed is doubled
and takes half the time to climb up the stairs, the power output would double because
you are doing the same amount of work in less time. Oppositely, if we climb slower the
power decreases.

2. What would your power output be if you climbed up the stairs in the same amount of
time while carrying a stack of books weighing 20N?

To calculate the power output:

● Find the total force: Ftotal = Fbody+Fbooks.


Fbody = mg (where m is your mass and g is gravitational acceleration)
Fbody = (52)x(9.8) = 509.6N

Fbooks = 20N
Ftotal = 509.6N + 20N = 529.6N

● Calculate the work done: Work=Ftotal×h


Work = 529.6N x 2.1m = 1,112 J

● Find the power output: Power = Work / t


Power = 1,112 J / 3.63 = 306.34 W
The power output while carrying a stack of books is 306.34 W (watts).

3. Why did you use your weight as the force in the work equation?
- The body is raised by gravity as we climb up the stairs, which is your weight acting as a
force. Using weight as the force helps measure the energy or work done when you climb
the stairs.

SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS:

Problem: Inconsistent technique


Solution: Differences such as starting point posture can lead to variability of results

Problem: Time measurement


Solution: Use of mobile devices for accurate results and avoid human errors.

Problem: Uneven surfaces or slippery staircase


Solution: Inspect the stairs and ensure safety during procedure.

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