Calculating Power Requirements for an Escalator

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To calculate the power requirements for an escalator, the total weight of 20 people, each weighing 60 kg, is determined to be 11760 N. The force along the incline is calculated as 5880 N, leading to a work done of 58800 J over a distance of 10 m. This results in a power output of 980 watts. An alternative method using conservation of energy to find the change in gravitational potential energy can simplify the calculations. This approach is noted as a time-saving strategy for future tests.
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


W=Fx*d
P=W/Δt

The Attempt at a Solution


Shot in the dark but, 20 people with 60 kg mass=1200kg total mass. Weight=1200kg*9.8m/s^2=11760N. Force component along the incline is 11760N*sin(30)=5880N. Work=5880N* 10m=58800J.(The 10m was found from trig function of the angle 30). Power=58800J/60sec=980W.

Answer is 980 watts?
 
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Hi Le_Anthony. You're solution looks fine.

You could also have gone with a conservation of energy approach, finding the change in gravitational potential energy for the 20 people being raised 5 m, thus skipping the force calculations.
 
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gneill said:
Hi Le_Anthony. You're solution looks fine.

You could also have gone with a conservation of energy approach, finding the change in gravitational potential energy for the 20 people being raised 5 m, thus skipping the force calculations.

Ahhhh i see. That saves a lot of time actually. I will do that on my test this friday. Thanks!
 

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