Minimum Work Physics Problem | 65 kg Student Climbs 8.0 m Stairway in 12 s

In summary, the minimum work required for a 65 kg student to climb an 8.0 m-high stairway in 12 seconds is 5100 joules. This is calculated by using the formula w=fd, where w is the work, f is the force, and d is the distance. The force needed would have to be greater than the weight, which is 65 kg multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/s^2.
  • #1
brentwoodbc
62
0

Homework Statement



What is the minimum work done when a 65 kg student climbs an 8.0 m-high stairway in 12 s?




The Attempt at a Solution


v=d/t
v=8/12
v=2/3

v = v2+v1 over 2
2/3 = v2+0 over 2
v2 = 2x[2/3]
v2=4/3

w=deltaEk
w=.5x65x[4/3]^2 - .5x65x0
w = 57 j ?

answer is 5100 j
 
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  • #2


Hint :work is force times distance. So the time taken does not matter at all.
 
  • #3


Edit I get it, trick question lol.
thank you.
 
  • #4


brentwoodbc said:
I know
w=fd
f=ma
f=65x9.8
f=5096

but that doesn't have time or distance.

It seems you got the answer!
The minimum work needed would be done by a force acting upward, in the opposite direction of the weight. Its magnitude would have to be greater than the weight, so >65 kg*9.8m/s^2 as you did.
You wrote w=fd, where w is the work, f is the force and d is the distance. Then you said that the formula doesn't have a distance?
Well you've done it :)
 
  • #5


fluidistic said:
It seems you got the answer!
The minimum work needed would be done by a force acting upward, in the opposite direction of the weight. Its magnitude would have to be greater than the weight, so >65 kg*9.8m/s^2 as you did.
You wrote w=fd, where w is the work, f is the force and d is the distance. Then you said that the formula doesn't have a distance?
Well you've done it :)

haha, i know what I typed wasnt actually what I did.
 

FAQ: Minimum Work Physics Problem | 65 kg Student Climbs 8.0 m Stairway in 12 s

What is a minimum work physics problem?

A minimum work physics problem is a type of problem where you are given a system and asked to find the minimum amount of work that needs to be done to achieve a certain outcome. This involves understanding the forces and energies involved in the system and using the laws of physics to determine the minimum work required.

How do you approach a minimum work physics problem?

To solve a minimum work physics problem, you first need to identify all the forces and energies involved in the system. Then, you can use the principles of work and energy, such as the work-energy theorem and the conservation of energy, to determine the minimum work required.

Can you give an example of a minimum work physics problem?

Sure! An example of a minimum work physics problem is a block being pulled up a ramp by a force. The question might ask for the minimum work required to move the block from the bottom to the top of the ramp.

What are some common mistakes when solving a minimum work physics problem?

One common mistake is forgetting to account for all the forces and energies involved in the system. Another mistake is using the wrong equations or not properly applying the principles of work and energy.

How can understanding minimum work physics problems be useful in real life?

Understanding minimum work physics problems can be useful in many fields, such as engineering, architecture, and transportation. It allows us to determine the most efficient and cost-effective ways to accomplish tasks and achieve certain outcomes.

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