Efficiency of Low-Speed vs. High-Speed Chairlifts

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the efficiency of low-speed versus high-speed chairlifts, specifically addressing the energy loss during operation. It is established that both types of chairlifts, when operating over equal path lengths, exhibit identical efficiency despite the higher power consumption of high-speed lifts. The definition of efficiency used in this context is the ratio of useful work output to total energy input, clarifying that increased speed does not inherently lead to greater energy waste.

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Homework Statement


The energy lost operating a low-speed chairlift is the same as the energy lost operating a high-speed lift of equal path length. What happens to the efficiency when you change from a low speed to a high speed chairlift?


Homework Equations


We know that high speed chairlifts use more power so that they can go faster.


The Attempt at a Solution


My initial thought was that it would be less efficient because more power is used... but if they stay the same, less of the power will be wasted... making it more efficient??

Please help!

Thank you
 
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What is the definition of efficiency that you are using?
 
The ratio of the output (useful work) to the input (total energy used)

I read that regardless of speed, both the slow and fast chairlifts have identical efficiency, but I don't understand this.
 

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