How Many Steps Are Visible on the Escalator When It's Shut Down?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving an escalator, specifically focusing on determining how many steps are visible when the escalator is shut down. The scenario includes a scientist running up and down the escalator, with different step counts and speeds, posing a challenge for participants to solve.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A scientist took 50 steps to ascend an escalator and 125 steps to descend, with his descending speed being five times faster than his ascending speed.
  • Some participants express confusion about the problem's difficulty and suggest it can be easily found online.
  • One participant notes that the problem originated from a physics textbook, indicating it may be a common challenge in educational settings.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about the visibility of posts and the forum's culture, with participants sharing their experiences and welcoming each other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the solution to the problem, as no solutions or definitive answers are provided. Participants engage in side conversations about posting etiquette and the nature of the forum.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention difficulties in finding solutions online, indicating that the problem may not be widely discussed or easily accessible in other resources.

Fraulein
A scientist is performing an experiment on an up-the-floor escalator in a mall. The scientist ran up the escalator and took 50 steps to reach the upper boom. Then, he ran back down the same escalator and took 125 steps to reach back the lower boom. The pace of the scientist going down is five times faster going up. How many steps are visible on the escalator if it is shutdown?

The problem is good for 15 minutes...or more! Haha! I'll post the solution and answer on Monday :) Happy solving!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Why do you think only a genius can solve it?

Also its easily found via google search.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
Also, this is the "Introductions Only" sub-forum, as it states in the first post. :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jedishrfu
Uh-oh. I haven't been reading. My bad. Uhm, do i have to delete this post and move it to the threads? Sorry guys. >.< Regarding the question, it came from a book entitled "Problems in General Physics by I.E Irodov" which was our example problem in our class last Monday. I just felt sharing this bec most of my classmates had a hard time solving it and I googled it too! And haven't found a site with solutions on this problem. (or maybe I am just lame in Google-ing lol)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
You're fine, no one reads my posts. :frown: It was a nice problem. Welcome to the forum!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Enigman, Fraulein and jedishrfu
Oh no, i read your post should I now deny that I did and delete this post too to deny the denial? :-)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
Evo said:
You're fine, no one reads my posts. :frown: It was a nice problem. Welcome to the forum!
Thank you ^^ I'll move it to the threads :)
 
Evo said:
You're fine, no one reads my posts. :frown: It was a nice problem. Welcome to the forum!
I read some of them @Evo...

Anyway, I moved this thread.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
Mark44 said:
I read some of them @Evo...

Anyway, I moved this thread.
Thank God, I'm having a hard time learning to post and the likes here. Thank you! :)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
  • #11
Evo said:
You're fine, no one reads my posts. :frown:
Evo ... how can you say that? We all await your posts with bated breath :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Evo
  • #12
phinds said:
Evo ... how can you say that? We all await your posts with bated breath :smile:
Who are you talking to?
 
  • #13
Enigman said:
Who are you talking to?
Not you, apparently.
 
  • #14
phinds said:
Not you, apparently.
Ah, keep at it then.
 

Similar threads

How Many Steps Visible on an Inactive Escalator?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Appl. Phys: I love everything about her.... but her Math(s)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Programs Math minor, double major, and elective classes advice
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 236)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 236)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 226)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 226)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
A suggestion for dolphin communication.
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K