Compare the power at which each of the following is moving upwards against the force of gravity? (given g = 10 m s–2)

(i) a butterfly of mass 1.0 g that flies upward at a rate of 0.5 m s–1.


(ii) a 250 g squirrel climbing up on a tree at a rate of 0.5 m s–1.

(i) Mass of butterfly = 1 g = 1/1000


velocity= 0.5 m/s


Power = mg × velocity, g = 10 m s–2



(ii) Mass of squirrel = 250 g = 250/1000


velocity= 0.5 m/s


Power = mg × velocity, g = 10 m s–2



Hence, the power with which the squirrel is climbing is much higher than that of a butterfly flying.


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