Calculating Energy Transfer and Work Done by a Crane

In summary, a crane lifts a 1500 kg car straight up 20 m, gaining 294000 J of potential energy. The crane transfers -294000 J of energy to the car, and the amount of work it does is unclear without additional information on losses due to friction.
  • #1
Lolagoeslala
217
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Homework Statement


A creane lifts a 1500 kg car straight 20 m [up]
How much potential energy does the car gain?
How much energy does the crane transfer to the car?
How much work does the crane do?



The Attempt at a Solution


How much potential energy does the car gain?
Eg = mgh
Eg = (1500 kg)(9.8m/s^2)(20m)
Eg = 294000 J

How much energy does the crane transfer to the car?
Eg = - 294000 J

How much work does the crane do?
I am not sure
 
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  • #2
Lolagoeslala said:
How much energy does the crane transfer to the car?
Eg = - 294000 J
If A were to transfer a negative amount of energy to B, would that not be the same as taking energy from B?
How much work does the crane do?
I am not sure
In the absence of any data concerning losses due to friction etc., what do you think the answer is?
 

1. What is relative potential energy?

Relative potential energy is a measure of the energy an object possesses due to its position or configuration relative to another object. It is the potential for an object to do work by virtue of its position in a force field.

2. How is relative potential energy different from absolute potential energy?

Relative potential energy is dependent on the position of an object relative to another object, while absolute potential energy is a measure of the total potential energy an object possesses within a system. Absolute potential energy takes into account the position of an object relative to all other objects in the system.

3. What factors affect the relative potential energy of an object?

The relative potential energy of an object is affected by its mass, its position relative to another object, and the strength of the force field in which it exists. The closer an object is to another object, the stronger the force field and the higher the relative potential energy.

4. How is relative potential energy related to work and energy?

Relative potential energy is a form of potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy when an object moves in response to a force. Work is the process of converting energy from one form to another, so the work done on an object to change its position also changes its relative potential energy.

5. Can relative potential energy be negative?

Yes, relative potential energy can be negative. This means that the object has less potential energy than it would have at a reference point. This can occur when an object is at a lower position than the reference point, or when the force field is repulsive rather than attractive.

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