Investigating elevator in motion

[Mathbather]

Homework Statement

I am planning a lab where I am investigating the (inversely proportional) relationship between the velocity at which an elevator is moving and the mass inside an elevator.

Method:
1. Estimating distance the elevator is going to travel.
2. Have a mass of 100 kg inside the elevator (this is later increased)
3. Measuring the time it taken to go from the bottom to the top floor using a stopwatch
4. Recording the time.
5. Repeat for larger masses

1. I am wondering what would be an appropriate graph to plot using the data obtained.
2. Should I put uncertainty approximations in the table of results? (ever though I am not actually going to carry out the experiment)

Homework Equations

v = s/t
v = velocity (m/s)
s = displacement (m)
t = time (s)

v = k/m
Where v = velocity (m/s)
k = the "lift constant" (something I came up with) (m kg/s)
m = mass inside the elevator (kg)

The Attempt at a Solution

1. I think I should graph v on the y-axis and 1/m on the x-axis and then find the slope, but I'm not sure if that will be appropriate.

(dy/dx = dv/dm ?)

2. No?

 

[Mathbather]

didn't mean to double post

 

[nlightner]

The uncertainty approximations should only be included if you actually measure the values in an experiment, not when estimating or predicting. It is important to clearly state the limitations and assumptions of the experiment in the discussion section of your lab report.

As for your proposed graph, it seems like you have the right idea. The inverse relationship between velocity and mass can be represented by a linear graph with velocity on the y-axis and 1/mass on the x-axis. The slope of the line will be equal to the "lift constant" you have defined. It would also be helpful to include error bars on your data points to show the uncertainty in your measurements.

In addition, I would suggest considering other factors that may affect the velocity of the elevator, such as friction and air resistance. These should be controlled for in your experiment or discussed in your analysis. Overall, your proposed method and graph seem like a good starting point for your investigation.