Calculating the Velocity of an Elevator

Yes, or more correctly with units, 1/v m.Now we need to consider the trajectory of the keys. In the "SUVAT" equations for constant acceleration there are five variables: initial velocity u, final velocity v (but we already are using v for the elevator, so call it w instead), acceleration a, time t, and displacement s. Which of these do we know for the...keys?We know the displacement, acceleration, and time for the keysWe know the displacement, acceleration, and time for the keysRight. And we want to find the final velocity (called w to avoid confusion with the elevator's speed).Right. And we want to find the final velocity (called w
  • #36
mdavies23 said:
The initial speed is the same as the elevator
Yes.
mdavies23 said:
the final speed is also the speed of the elevator
No. This is a common blunder. The equations are for constant acceleration. As soon as the keys touch the ground the acceleration is no longer constant, so the the equations don't apply. We can only apply them up to the instant before they hit the ground, and at that time they will have quite a different velocity from the elevator's.

So we have these four: time, acceleration, initial velocity and displacement. Which SUVAT equation has those four?
 
<h2>1. What is the formula for calculating the velocity of an elevator?</h2><p>The formula for calculating the velocity of an elevator is <strong>velocity = distance/time</strong>. This means that the velocity is equal to the distance the elevator travels divided by the time it takes to travel that distance.</p><h2>2. How do you measure the distance an elevator travels?</h2><p>The distance an elevator travels can be measured by using a measuring tape or ruler to measure the height of the elevator shaft. This measurement is typically in feet or meters.</p><h2>3. What unit of measurement is used for velocity?</h2><p>The unit of measurement for velocity is typically <strong>meters per second (m/s)</strong> or <strong>feet per second (ft/s)</strong>. This represents the distance the elevator travels in one second.</p><h2>4. How do you calculate the time it takes for an elevator to travel?</h2><p>The time it takes for an elevator to travel can be calculated by dividing the distance the elevator travels by its velocity. This can be represented by the formula <strong>time = distance/velocity</strong>.</p><h2>5. Can the velocity of an elevator change?</h2><p>Yes, the velocity of an elevator can change depending on different factors such as the weight of the elevator, the number of passengers, and the speed settings of the elevator. The velocity can also change as the elevator moves between different floors due to changes in acceleration and deceleration.</p>

1. What is the formula for calculating the velocity of an elevator?

The formula for calculating the velocity of an elevator is velocity = distance/time. This means that the velocity is equal to the distance the elevator travels divided by the time it takes to travel that distance.

2. How do you measure the distance an elevator travels?

The distance an elevator travels can be measured by using a measuring tape or ruler to measure the height of the elevator shaft. This measurement is typically in feet or meters.

3. What unit of measurement is used for velocity?

The unit of measurement for velocity is typically meters per second (m/s) or feet per second (ft/s). This represents the distance the elevator travels in one second.

4. How do you calculate the time it takes for an elevator to travel?

The time it takes for an elevator to travel can be calculated by dividing the distance the elevator travels by its velocity. This can be represented by the formula time = distance/velocity.

5. Can the velocity of an elevator change?

Yes, the velocity of an elevator can change depending on different factors such as the weight of the elevator, the number of passengers, and the speed settings of the elevator. The velocity can also change as the elevator moves between different floors due to changes in acceleration and deceleration.

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