Efficiency Calculation for Mechanical System with Incomplete Information

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the efficiency of a mechanical system, specifically an elevator, using incomplete information. The user initially struggles with starting the problem but calculates potential energy as 154,507.5 J. After clarifying time units, they determine the power output based on the load of 30 people per minute. The final efficiency calculation yields 87.3% when comparing the useful work done to the total power input. The conversation emphasizes the importance of matching time units and understanding the relationship between work and power in efficiency calculations.
TyErd
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Homework Statement


Hey I've attached the question. My main problem is figuring out how to start.


Homework Equations


not exactly sure, PE=mgh?
efficiency= used power/total power *100 = used power/ 2950 * 100...


The Attempt at a Solution


i calculated the potential energy 70*30*9.81*7.5=154507.5 J
I thought about finding the angle of elevation but don't have enough information.
 

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TyErd said:

Homework Statement


Hey I've attached the question. My main problem is figuring out how to start.


Homework Equations


not exactly sure, PE=mgh?
efficiency= used power/total power *100 = used power/ 2950 * 100...


The Attempt at a Solution


i calculated the potential energy 70*30*9.81*7.5=154507.5 J
I thought about finding the angle of elevation but don't have enough information.

You will need to match up your time units for a start.

Watts is Joules per second. but the load is 30 people per minute.
 
The work done by the elevator raised the people; increased their potential energy. Is that useful work?
That happened in 1 minute. What was the power ?

ehild
 
okay I've matched up time units. 2950 J/s and 0.5 people/ second.
potential for half a person? = 35*9.81*7.5 = 2575.125 J/s is that right??
 
It is right.ehild
 
so then to find efficiency i just do 2575.125/2950 * 100 = 87.3%?
 
TyErd said:
so then to find efficiency i just do 2575.125/2950 * 100 = 87.3%?

Yes.

ehild
 
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