10 students whose combined mass is 700 kg ride down 30 m in a elevator. How much thermal energy is produced in the elevator system by the loss in gravitational potential energy of the students
how is it 7?
To find the thermal energy produced in the elevator system, we first need to determine the loss in gravitational potential energy of the students.
The loss in gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula:
ΔPE = mgh
Where:
ΔPE is the change in gravitational potential energy
m is the mass
g is the acceleration due to gravity
h is the height
Given:
Mass of 10 students = 700 kg
Height = 30 m
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s² (approximately)
ΔPE = (700 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (30 m)
ΔPE = 205,800 J (joules)
Now, the loss in gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy. This conversion depends on various factors and the specific characteristics of the elevator system.
In reality, a significant portion of the gravitational potential energy would be dissipated as heat due to friction, air resistance, and mechanical losses in the elevator system. However, without more specific information about the characteristics of the elevator and its efficiency, we cannot accurately calculate the exact amount of thermal energy produced.
In general, the thermal energy produced would be less than the loss in gravitational potential energy due to inefficiencies in the system.