How Fast Does the Elevator Reach Its Top Speed?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lastone1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mechanics
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the top speed of an elevator in a 198-meter tall building, which takes 40 seconds to travel the full height. The elevator accelerates for 6 seconds, then decelerates for another 6 seconds, with constant acceleration during these periods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinematic equations to relate distance, acceleration, and velocity. There are attempts to break down the total distance into segments based on acceleration and constant speed phases. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculated acceleration and final speed.

Discussion Status

Several participants have shared their calculations, with some noting discrepancies in the acceleration value. There is a recognition of a potential error in the original poster's calculations, but no consensus on the correct approach has been reached. The discussion remains open with participants exploring different interpretations and methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem's parameters, including the total time and distance, as well as the specified acceleration phases. There is an acknowledgment of potential issues with significant figures in the calculations.

Lastone1
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A building have 198 meters, an elevator take 40 seconds to go all the way up, knowing that the elevator takes 6 secods to speed up and another 6 seconds to speed down and the aceleration is constant during this period. Determine the top speed of the elevator.


Homework Equations



(1) R = Ro + volt +at²/2
(2) V² = Vo² + 2aΔt


The Attempt at a Solution



I tryed to R1 + R2 + R3 = 198

Now using (1) in R1 in this approach Ro is always zero, and in R1 Vo is also zero
R1 = 18a

For R2 we have aceleration zero but we have initial speed (the final speed of R1) so we have
R2 = 28V1

and R3 = R1 since same aceleration only in oposite direction.
R3 = 18a

for R2 I elaborated V1 using (2)

V1² = Vo² + 2aR1
V1² = 0 + 36a²
V1 = 6a

use that on the R2 formula:

R2 = 28xV1
R2 = 168a

Now going to the final formula:

I tryed to R1 + R2 + R3 = 198

18a + 168a + 18a = 198
a = 0.9705

now using the a on the first 6 secs of the aceleration.

V = at
V = 0.9705*6
V = 5,823529 m/s

The list is telling me the correct answer should be 6... where did I go wrong? The list answer may be wrong? Do you guys have another approach for this exercise? I would like to see it.

Thank you...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
You work looks fine, [strike]but your calculated value for a is off. I got a=0.99 m/s2[/strike]. Keep in mind sig figs as well.

EDIT: Never mind. I can't add.
 
Last edited:
I got the same answer too.

34v=198
v=5.82352
 
azizlwl said:
I got the same answer too.

34v=198
v=5.82352

How you got to 34v = 198??
 
It can be easily shown if you sketch the velocity vs time graph.

vt=s
vx6x1/2 +vx6x1/2 + 28xv= 198
34v=198
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
9K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
15K