Let f(v) be the amount of energy consumed by a flying bird, measured in joules per second (a joule is a unit of energy), as a function of its speed v (in meters/sec). Let a(v) be the amount of energy consumed by the same bird, measured in joules per meter.
(a) Suggest a reason in terms of the way birds fly for the shape of the graph of f(v) in Figure 4.44.

(b) What is the relationship between f(v) and a(v)?
(c) Where on the graph is a(v) a minimum?
(d) Should the bird try to minimize f(v) or a(v) when it is flying? Why?

Transcribed Image Text:

energy (joules/sec) f(v) Figure 4.44 U, speed (m/sec)