When a rattlesnake strikes, its head accelerates from rest to a speed of 25 m/s in 0.44 seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only moving part of the snake is its head of mass 100 g. How much (average) power does the rattlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast?

Question

When a rattlesnake strikes, its head accelerates from rest to a speed of 25 m/s in 0.44 seconds. Assume for simplicity that the only moving part of the snake is its head of mass 100 g. How much (average) power does the rattlesnake need to accelerate its head that fast? 
Answer in units of W

bobpursley · Answer

power=energy/time=.5 mass*(v^2)/time I get about 70 watts.