Watt’s Needed to Fly? A Pedal Power Test
In Watt’s Needed to Fly? A Pedal Power Test, Jem is building a small plane powered by pedaling, but he needs to generate 350 watts to get it off the ground. After testing with Dr. Brickley, he discovers he can only produce 275 watts. The doctor believes with some training, Jem can increase his wattage and make his flying dream possible! This video is excerpted from BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory, a series that delves into the ways science impacts our lives and shapes the world we experience every day.
Lesson Express
Q: What can we infer about the relationship between Jem’s current power output and the success of the plane flight?
A: Jem’s current output of 275 watts is not enough to reach the 350 watts required to lift the plane off the ground. This suggests that Jem needs to increase his muscle endurance and power through training to meet the necessary energy demands for flight.
Q: How does the doctor’s suggestion of training for a few weeks help Jem improve his wattage output?
A: The doctor believes that with focused training, Jem can increase his endurance and strength, which would allow him to generate more power over time. This highlights how muscle performance can improve through consistent practice and conditioning.
Q: What might happen if Jem tries to fly the plane without achieving the needed wattage through training?
A: If Jem attempts to fly without reaching the necessary wattage, it’s likely he won’t be able to keep the plane in the air for long. Even if he gets airborne, his power output may not be sustainable, causing him to crash or lose control of the plane.