How High Can a 12V Battery Lift an 8.1 kg Mass with a 90% Efficient Motor?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the maximum height to which a motor powered by a 12V battery can lift an 8.1 kg mass, considering the motor's efficiency. The context includes concepts from energy conservation and electrical power calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of battery power into usable energy for lifting a mass, with some questioning the interpretation of watt-hours as energy. There are attempts to apply conservation of energy to relate the energy available to the height achievable.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the calculations related to energy and height. Some participants have provided corrections and clarifications regarding the energy calculations, while others are seeking confirmation on the application of conservation of energy in their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through potential misunderstandings about units of energy and efficiency, with a focus on ensuring the correct application of physical principles in their calculations.

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Homework Statement


A fully energized 12V battery is rated as "4 Ampere-hours." Suppose this battery is connected to a motor that is 90% efficient at converting electrical to mechanical power. How high could this battery-supplied motor lift a 8.1 kg mass?


Homework Equations


V = I*R
P = V*I
P = (I^2)*R

The Attempt at a Solution



An amp-hour is how many amps a battery can supply for one hour.
Using the power equation:
P = (12V)*(4A*hr) = 48 Watt*hr

Since one watt-hr = 3600 Joules,
(48 W*hr)*(3600) = 1728 Joules

The motor is 90% efficient so,
1728 * .9 = 1555.2 Joules

I think the above is right (hopefully), but I'm not sure how to use the 1555.2 Joules to find the maximum height that this motor can lift the mass. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Power isn't in watt-hours, a watt hour is energy

Right idea still, 12V*4Ahr is 48 Watt*hr, but that itself equals 172800 joules

90% of that is straight up how much work the motor can do. Work...mass...looking for distance...
 
So, now at 90% of 172,800 J = 155,520 J

Using conservation of energy:
155,520 J = mgh
155,520 J = (8.1 kg)*(9.8 m/s^2)*(h)
h = 1959.18 m ?

This seems like a large value but reasonable because the mass is not that great.
 
Before I submit my answer, would you agree with using conservation of energy and the answer that I got?
 

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