Calculating Power without distance?

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To calculate the power of a motor lifting 600 N in one minute, the distance over which the force is applied is essential, as power is defined as work done over time. The formula for power is Power = Force x Distance / Time, indicating that without distance, the calculation cannot be completed. The discussion highlights that the problem, taken from a GCSE revision book, lacks this critical information, leading to confusion. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between force, distance, and power in physics. Overall, the absence of distance in the problem makes it impossible to accurately determine the motor's power.
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Homework Statement



Calculate the power of a motor that can lift 600 N in 1 Minute

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been asked to help a friends daughter with this question because I work in a Lab, unfortunately I'm a biologist working in a chemistry lab so I'm struggling![/B]

I assumed that distance was required to work out power:

power (W) = N x Distance (m)
Time (s)

Am I missing something entirely?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Hello AP, welcome to PF :smile: !

Yes, there is something missing: 600 N is a force. Work (energy) is force times distance. Power is work per time. So the calculation

Power = Force x distance / time
​
can't be made: the distance is missing.
 
Thanks very much!

This problem is in a GCSE revision book, and that is the problem word for word. At least it has got me interested in physics again, thanks for the welcome.
 
Strange. You can imagine it takes a bit more power to lift 600 N over 100 m in one minute than over 1 meter ...
 

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