Work Done by Elevator Lifting Mechanism

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by an elevator's lifting mechanism as it ascends a distance of 25 meters, considering the forces of gravity, friction, and acceleration. The context is rooted in mechanics, specifically in the analysis of forces and work-energy principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the elevator, including gravity and friction, and how these should be accounted for in the work calculation. There are attempts to apply kinematic equations and force calculations, with varying results reported.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem and the calculations involved. There is a recognition of the need to consider all forces acting on the elevator, and guidance has been offered regarding the inclusion of gravitational force in the calculations. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in their calculations, with some reporting results close to the expected answer of 0.5115 MJ, while others are slightly off. The discussion reflects an ongoing exploration of the problem rather than a resolution.

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A 2000kg elevator rises from rest in the basemtn to the fourth floor, a distance of 25m. As it passes the fourth floor, its speed is 3.0 m/s. There is a constant frictional force of 500N. Calculate the work done by the lifting mechanism.

I tried doing v2square = v1square + 2ad and i get 0.18 acceleration
plugged that into f=ma
to get force,
did force X distance + (friction X distance)
and I am not getting right answer
whcih is 0.5115MJ
any quick solutoins!
thanks
 
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Are you sure you are taking into account all the forces acting on the elevator...you neglected the force of gravity, see the elevator needs to do work to surpass the force of gravity, the frictional force and to accelerate the elevator, can you go from there?
 
i tried what u just said, are you getting 0.5115 SPOT ON
im getting like 0.505 and 0.522
 
The answer is .5115 MJ
the equation in symbols should look something like this
[tex]F_g_r_a_v_i_t_y * d + F_f_r_i_c_t_i_o_n * d + F_a_c_c *d = .5115MJ[/tex]
where [tex]F_a_c_c[/tex] is the force exerted by the machinery to accelerate the elevator.
 
Last edited:

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