Elementary Problem: What Strength is Needed to Lift Mass m to Height h?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the power required to lift a mass (m) to a height (h) over a specific time (t). The formula derived is P = mgh/t, indicating that power decreases as the time taken to lift the mass increases. Participants clarified that the term "power" is more appropriate than "strength" in this context, emphasizing the relationship between time and power output. The conclusion is that a longer lifting duration results in reduced power requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as mass, height, and gravitational force.
  • Familiarity with the formula for gravitational potential energy (PE = mgh).
  • Knowledge of power calculation in physics (P = work/time).
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of gravitational potential energy in more detail.
  • Learn about the relationship between power, work, and time in physics.
  • Explore real-world applications of power calculations in mechanical systems.
  • Investigate the differences between power and strength in physical contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of power and energy in lifting scenarios.

Petar Mali
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Homework Statement


What strenght do you need to put mass m in the height [tex]h[/tex]?

Homework Equations


[tex]P=\frac{A}{t}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]A=mgh[/tex]

so

[tex]P=\frac{mgh}{t}[/tex]

Is that mean that your strenght is less if you take mass long in the height [tex]h[/tex]?
 
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Yes,the bigger the time(t)the smaller the power(P).
 
Hi Petar! :smile:

(write "itex" rather than "tex", and it won't keep starting a new line :wink:)

Yes, you need power (not strength) of mgh/t to raise a mass m through height h in time t …

so you need less power if you take longer

(and that's the corrrect English! :wink:)
 

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