Work in Joules = Force in Newtons X Distance in Meters

Energy activity

Work in joules = Force in newtons x distance in meters

Power in watts = Work in joules/time in seconds

Pre-Calculations

Estimate your weight in pounds ______ lb (this is a unit of force, just like newtons)

Convert your weight to newtons ______ (multiply by 4.45, the number of newtons in a pound)

The height of the stairs is 4.5 meters.

Calculate the work done by you to go up the stairs _______ joules

Activity

Run up the stairs as fast as you can and measure the time ______ seconds

Calculate your power output _______ watts

Carry (or be carried by) a friend up the stairs and measure the time ______ s

Calculate the total weight in pounds ________

Calculate the total weight in newtons ________

Calculate the total work required by you to go up the stairs _____ joules

Calculate your power output _____ watts

Compare Yourself to a Horse

The definition of one horsepower is 746 watts. Are you more powerful than a horse? Note that a horse can sustain this effort for a long time while you only worked for a few seconds.