Math Problem Statement

Th e motor of an elevator develops power at a rate of 2500 W. a Calculate the speed that a 1200 kg load is being raised at. b In practice it is found that the load is lifted more slowly than indicated by your answer to a. Suggest reasons why this is so.

Solution

Let's break this down step by step.

Part (a) Calculate the speed at which the 1200 kg load is being raised.

The power developed by the motor is given as 2500 W, and the mass of the load is 1200 kg. The power required to lift the load is related to the gravitational force acting on the load and the speed at which the load is raised.

Formula:

Power P=FvP = F \cdot v

Where:

  • PP is the power (in watts),
  • FF is the force (in newtons),
  • vv is the velocity (in meters per second).

The force FF required to lift the load is the gravitational force, which is: F=mgF = m \cdot g Where:

  • m=1200kgm = 1200 \, \text{kg} is the mass of the load,
  • g=9.8m/s2g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 is the acceleration due to gravity.

Substitute the values: F=1200kg×9.8m/s2=11760NF = 1200 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 11760 \, \text{N}

Now, using the power formula: P=FvP = F \cdot v

Rearrange to solve for vv: v=PFv = \frac{P}{F}

Substitute the known values: v=2500W11760N0.213m/sv = \frac{2500 \, \text{W}}{11760 \, \text{N}} \approx 0.213 \, \text{m/s}

Thus, the speed at which the 1200 kg load is being raised is approximately 0.213 m/s.


Part (b) Reasons why the actual lifting speed is slower:

In practice, the actual speed might be slower than calculated due to several reasons:

  1. Friction: There is friction in the pulleys, cables, and other mechanical parts of the elevator, which reduces the efficiency of the system.
  2. Air resistance: Although it may be minimal, air resistance could slightly decrease the lifting speed.
  3. Energy losses in the motor: The motor may lose energy due to inefficiencies, such as electrical resistance or heat generation, reducing the actual power delivered.
  4. Start-up and inertia: The elevator takes time to accelerate from rest due to the inertia of the load.
  5. Safety mechanisms: Elevators often operate at slower speeds than their theoretical maximum to ensure safety, smooth operation, and to prevent sudden jerks or damage to the system.

Would you like any additional explanations or further clarification on this problem?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How does friction affect the efficiency of an elevator system?
  2. What is the role of pulley systems in reducing the required force to lift a load?
  3. How can we improve the efficiency of a motor-driven elevator?
  4. What other factors could influence the power requirements of an elevator system?
  5. How would a change in gravitational acceleration (e.g., on another planet) affect the lifting speed?

Tip:

Always consider friction and mechanical inefficiencies in practical problems, as ideal calculations often neglect these real-world factors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Power
Force
Velocity
Work-Energy Principle

Formulas

Power (P) = Force (F) * Velocity (v)
Force (F) = Mass (m) * Gravity (g)
Velocity (v) = Power (P) / Force (F)

Theorems

Work-Energy Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12