Elevators and Acceleration

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In summary, the conversation discusses a question about comparing the acceleration of Mr. Bob's spaceship to that of a standard 7 floor elevator. The person asking the question is unsure of how to find the acceleration of the elevator and requests some numbers for their explanation. The conversation then concludes with a joke about elevators being the funniest because they work on multiple levels.
  • #1
Physicsdewd
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Ok, this isn't the normal type of homework question you guys might get. Its a pretty simple question though. After finding that Mr. Bob in his spaceship is experiencing 2g's of acceleration, the question said "Now compare this to the acceleration of a standard 7 floor elevator." How am I supposed to know the acceleration of an elevator? Nothing in the chapter even mentioned elevators.

Just give me some numbers I could use in my explanation.

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Physicsdewd! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Hint: in your experience (in other words, as a physicist!), how long does it take an elevator to go 7 floors … and so what is the acceleration? :smile:
Why are jokes about elevators the funniest?

:biggrin: Because they work on so many levels! :biggrin:
 
  • #3


I can understand your confusion about the question. Elevators and spaceships may seem like completely different things, but they both experience acceleration. In order to compare the acceleration of Mr. Bob's spaceship to that of a standard 7 floor elevator, we need to first understand how acceleration is measured.

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2). In simpler terms, it is the increase in speed or velocity per second. So, if an object experiences 2g's of acceleration, it means that its velocity increases by 20 meters per second every second.

Now, let's look at a standard 7 floor elevator. In general, elevators have an average acceleration of 0.5 meters per second squared (m/s^2). This means that for every second the elevator is in motion, its velocity increases by 0.5 meters per second. However, this acceleration can vary depending on the type of elevator and its load.

To compare this to Mr. Bob's spaceship, we can use a conversion factor to convert g's to m/s^2. 1g is equivalent to 9.8 m/s^2, so 2g's would be 19.6 m/s^2. This means that Mr. Bob's spaceship is experiencing almost 40 times the acceleration of a standard 7 floor elevator.

In conclusion, while both elevators and spaceships experience acceleration, the amount of acceleration can vary greatly. Mr. Bob's spaceship is experiencing a much higher acceleration compared to a standard elevator, which is why it may feel more intense to him. I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept of acceleration and how it can be applied to different scenarios.
 

What is the acceleration of an elevator?

The acceleration of an elevator depends on the type of elevator and its design. Most elevators have an acceleration of around 9.8 meters per square second, which is the acceleration due to gravity. However, high-speed elevators can have accelerations of up to 20 meters per square second.

How does an elevator accelerate?

An elevator accelerates by using an electric motor to turn a pulley system, which moves the elevator car up or down. The electric motor is controlled by a computerized system that calculates the acceleration needed to move the elevator car at a steady speed.

Why do elevators have a maximum acceleration limit?

Elevators have a maximum acceleration limit to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers. Higher acceleration can cause discomfort or even injuries to passengers, especially those with health conditions. Additionally, high acceleration can put strain on the elevator components and lead to damage or malfunction.

How does acceleration affect the ride quality of an elevator?

The acceleration of an elevator can greatly affect the ride quality. A smooth and gradual acceleration can provide a comfortable ride, while a sudden or jerky acceleration can cause discomfort or even nausea for passengers. This is why elevators are designed with a smooth acceleration profile to ensure a pleasant ride for passengers.

Can the acceleration of an elevator be changed?

Yes, the acceleration of an elevator can be changed by adjusting the speed and acceleration parameters in the computerized control system. However, this should only be done by trained professionals to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the elevator. Changes in acceleration can also require adjustments to other elevator components, such as the motor and braking system.

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