Math Problem Statement

An elevator with a total mass of 1300 kg, including passengers, travels upwards a total distance of 50 m in 30 seconds at constant speed. What is the average power output of the elevator in this time?

Solution

To calculate the average power output of the elevator, we need to apply the following formulas:

  1. Work done (W) by the elevator is calculated using: W=FdW = F \cdot d where FF is the force, and dd is the distance the elevator moves.

  2. The force FF is equal to the weight of the elevator, which is: F=mgF = m \cdot g where m=1300kgm = 1300 \, \text{kg} is the mass of the elevator and passengers, and gg is the acceleration due to gravity (g9.8m/s2g \approx 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2).

  3. Substituting the values: W=1300kg×9.8m/s2×50mW = 1300 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 50 \, \text{m}

  4. Finally, power PP is the work done divided by the time tt: P=Wt=1300×9.8×5030P = \frac{W}{t} = \frac{1300 \times 9.8 \times 50}{30}

Now, let's calculate this step-by-step:

W=1300×9.8×50=637,000JoulesW = 1300 \times 9.8 \times 50 = 637,000 \, \text{Joules}

P=637,00030=21,233.33W2.1×104WP = \frac{637,000}{30} = 21,233.33 \, \text{W} \approx 2.1 \times 10^4 \, \text{W}

Thus, the average power output is approximately 2.1×104W2.1 \times 10^4 \, \text{W}, which corresponds to option (d).

Would you like further clarification or more details?

Here are 5 questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How would the power change if the elevator's mass increased?
  2. What happens to power if the elevator moved faster but over the same distance?
  3. How is power related to the energy consumption of the elevator?
  4. How would the result differ if the elevator was moving downward?
  5. What is the significance of "constant speed" in this problem?

Tip: Remember, constant speed means no net acceleration, so the force required is only to counteract gravity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Work and Power
Physics (Energy)

Formulas

Work: W = F * d
Force: F = m * g
Power: P = W / t

Theorems

Gravitational Force
Power Output Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12