How to Calculate Work Done by an Escalator?

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To calculate the work done by an escalator on a mass of 57.1 kg over a distance of 69.5 m at an angle of 34.9 degrees, the force must first be determined using Newton's second law (F=ma), resulting in a force of 559.58 N. The initial attempt to calculate work using the formula Work=Fcos(theta)D yielded an incorrect result. It was suggested that using sine instead of cosine might be more appropriate for this scenario, leading to the formula Work=Fsin(theta)D. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly identifying the angle's role in the calculation of work done against gravity. Understanding the correct application of trigonometric functions is crucial for accurate results in physics problems involving inclined planes or escalators.
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Homework Statement


http://img252.imageshack.us/my.php?image=heyheygw0.jpg
Mass=57.1 Kg
Distance 69.5 m
G= 9.8
Theta= 34.9
So I'm trying to find the amount of work done on mass.

Homework Equations


F=ma
Work=Fcos(theta)D

The Attempt at a Solution


Okay so i started out finding Force by Newtons 2nd law.
F=ma
f=57.1(9.8)
F=559.58
Okay so then I went with force to the work fomula.
Work=559.58cos(34.9)69.5
and that gave me 31896.37
but this answer proved to be incorrect?
 
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Why cos(theta)? Over what height is mass (or weight) lifted?
 
good question.
sin would prehaps be more fitting =)
 
I have a similar problem like this so if I was to solve this problem would it go like this:
Work=Fsin(theta)D

?
 

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