How Is Power Calculated in a Conveyor Belt System?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating power in a conveyor belt system lifting 1000 kg of rocks per minute to a height of 10 meters and ejecting them at a speed of 5 m/s. The correct power output is derived using the formula P=Fv, where the force (F) is calculated based on the mass flow rate and the final velocity. The initial calculations yielded 416.75W, but the correct approach must also consider the gravitational potential energy involved in lifting the rocks, leading to a total power requirement of 2100W when accounting for both vertical and horizontal motion.

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  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, specifically P=Fv and p=mv
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ReMa
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I have two questions regarding this, any help would be GREAT!

1st Problem:

Homework Statement



A conveyor belt lifts 1000kg of rocks per minute a vertical distance of 10m. The rocks are at rest at the bottom of the belt and are ejected at 5 m/s. The power supplied to this machine is:

A) 1000W
B) 1260W
C) 1630W
D) 1840W
E) 2100 W

Homework Equations



P=Fv

p=mv
\sumF\DeltaT=m(vf-vo)

The Attempt at a Solution



vo = 0m/s
vf = 5m/s

1000kg/min = 16.67kg/s

sumF\DeltaT=m(vf-vo)
sumF=m(vf-vo)/\DeltaT
sumF=m(vf)-m(vo)/\DeltaT

since vo = 0/ms

sumF=m(vf)/\DeltaT
sumF=m/\DeltaT (vf)

subbing in values...

m/dT = 16.67kg/s

F = (16.67)(5) = 83.35N

and now for Power...
P = Fv
P = 83.35(5) = 416.75W

Now, I know I've done something wrong, especially as I haven't accounted for height. I feel like I am EXTREMELY off with attempting to solve this so i'd appreciate any help.2nd Problem:

Homework Statement



Water runs out of a horizontal pipe at the rate of 120kg/min. It falls 3.20m to the ground. Assuming the water doesn't splash up, what average vertical force does it exert on the ground?

Homework Equations



P=Fv

p=mv
sumF\DeltaT=m(vf-vo)

The Attempt at a Solution



SOLVED THIS ONE - if anyone else needs the solution though let me know and i'll post it.
Still need help on the first though... workin' on it however.
 
Last edited:
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For the first problem, ignore the forces within the machine. Ask yourself what happens to the rocks every second (Think energy rather than momentum)
 

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