How Does Elevator Motion Affect Work Done by Forces?

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The discussion centers around calculating the work done by forces on a 62 kg person in an elevator moving at a constant speed of 4.0 m/s for 5.0 seconds. The normal force and gravitational force are analyzed, with an initial calculation yielding a displacement of 10 m and a normal force of 607.6 N. However, the correct approach highlights that at constant speed, the initial and final velocities are equal, leading to a misunderstanding of displacement calculation. The expected answer of 12 kJ for work done is clarified as being derived from the correct application of the work formula. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately applying physics principles in problem-solving.
Enduro
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1. Homework Statement

the question is:
A 62 kg person in an elevator is moving up at a constant
speed of 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s. T / I C

(b) Calculate the work done by the normal force on the person.
(c) Calculate the work done by the force of gravity on the
person.
(d) How would your answers change if the elevator were
moving down at 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s?


2. Homework Equations
W= F x Δd

and i think

Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt
fg=m.g
3. The Attempt at a Solution

for b) i did Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt and got displacement which is 10 m and then i did fn=fg since fnet is 0 which means that they have the same force. and for that i got 607.6 N

p.s the answer in the back is 12 kJ which i don't get?
 
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At constant velocity v, what is displacement d over time t?
 
Enduro said:
1. Homework Statement

the question is:
A 62 kg person in an elevator is moving up at a constant
speed of 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s. T / I C

(b) Calculate the work done by the normal force on the person.
(c) Calculate the work done by the force of gravity on the
person.
(d) How would your answers change if the elevator were
moving down at 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s?


2. Homework Equations
W= F x Δd

and i think

Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt
fg=m.g
3. The Attempt at a Solution

for b) i did Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt and got displacement which is 10 m and then i did fn=fg since fnet is 0 which means that they have the same force. and for that i got 607.6 N

p.s the answer in the back is 12 kJ which i don't get?

The lift was moving at a constant speed, so calculating displacement is much simpler than the way you did it - and your method gives the wrong answer because you assumed it started out at 0 m/s.
This 5 second interval is presumably a middle interval of the whole journey.
The lift gains speed - then travels at constant speed - then slows down and stops. The 5 sec interval is entirely in the middle section.
 
Enduro said:
1. Homework Statement

the question is:
A 62 kg person in an elevator is moving up at a constant
speed of 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s. T / I C

(b) Calculate the work done by the normal force on the person.
(c) Calculate the work done by the force of gravity on the
person.
(d) How would your answers change if the elevator were
moving down at 4.0 m/s for 5.0 s?


2. Homework Equations
W= F x Δd

and i think

Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt
fg=m.g
3. The Attempt at a Solution

for b) i did Δd= (vf + vi/2)Δt and got displacement which is 10 m and then i did fn=fg since fnet is 0 which means that they have the same force. and for that i got 607.6 N

p.s the answer in the back is 12 kJ which i don't get?
I believe you meant Δd= [(vf + vi)/2)]Δt. If the speed is constant, vf and vi are the same. Try again.
 
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