A falling mass attached to a load/slowing acceleration of gravity.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of a falling mass attached to a load, specifically how to minimize the acceleration of the mass while still powering a load such as an electric motor or lightbulb. It is established that the power generated by the falling mass is calculated using the formula mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. The relationship between load size and acceleration is highlighted, indicating that a larger load requires more power, resulting in slower acceleration of the mass. The challenge lies in finding the optimal load that allows the mass to fall as slowly as possible while still generating sufficient power.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of gravitational potential energy
  • Knowledge of power calculations in physics
  • Basic principles of load dynamics in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between load resistance and acceleration in mechanical systems
  • Explore the concept of energy conservation in falling mass systems
  • Learn about different types of loads and their power requirements
  • Investigate methods to control the descent of falling masses, such as friction or damping techniques
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of dynamics and energy transfer in mechanical systems.

qazwsxedc
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
If you attatch a falling mass to a load (electric motor, lightbulb, ect.), the mass accelerates more slowly than 9.8 m/s. I know the power of the falling mass is mgh. My question is how to get the mass to fall as slowly as possible, assuming a fixed mass (changing the power that the load is taking).

It seems to me as if the larger the load is, the more power it requires, the smaller the acceleration of the mass is. But if the mass never accelerated (taking it to an extreme), it wouldn't power the load would it? Where is the balance, the perfect load to make the mass move as slowly as possible?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
qazwsxedc said:
I know the power of the falling mass is mgh.

Check your units.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does inertia have anything to do with bodies falling at the same rate?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Graduate Testing Newtonian Gravity: Collision of Two Masses
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Conceptual Force of Gravity Acceleration 2 vs 3 objects
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the correct way to calculate the power required to lift a mass?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
12K
Undergrad Work Done/Energy Transferred in One Dimensional Collision
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Can there be slowly-falling accretion disks in black holes?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Will a feather fly inside a free-falling elevator ?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Two balls dropped from the same height
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
10K
Undergrad Why Does Drag Force Depend on Cone Shape and Size but Not on Mass or Gravity?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad The Gravity Paradox: Does Mass Affect Speed?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K