Chapter 6: Problem 8
A construction worker pulls a 50 -pound motor from ground level to the top of a 60 -foot-high building using a rope that weighs \(\frac{1}{4} \mathrm{lb} / \mathrm{ft}\). Find the work done.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The total work done is 3450 lb-ft.
Step by step solution
01
Define the Concept of Work
Work is the energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement. It can be calculated using the formula \( W = F \times d \), where \( F \) is the force applied and \( d \) is the displacement in the direction of the force.
02
Calculate Work for Pulling the Motor
To find the work done in pulling the 50-pound motor up to the top of the 60-foot building, we multiply the weight of the motor (50 pounds) by the height (60 feet): \( W = 50 \text{ lb} \times 60 \text{ ft} = 3000 \text{ lb-ft} \).
03
Calculate Work for Lifting the Rope
The rope's weight varies as we lift it, because different lengths of rope need to be lifted different distances. For a small element of the rope \( dx \) at height \( x \), the element weight is \( \frac{1}{4} \text{ lb/ft} \times dx \). The work done for this element is \( \frac{1}{4} \text{ lb/ft} \times x \times dx \).
04
Integrate to Find Total Work for the Rope
We integrate from \( x = 0 \) to \( x = 60 \) for the component \( \frac{1}{4}x dx \) to find the total work done lifting the rope: \[ W_{rope} = \int_0^{60} \frac{1}{4} x \, dx = \frac{1}{4} \left[ \frac{x^2}{2} \right]_0^{60} = \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{60^2}{2} = 450 \text{ lb-ft}\]
05
Sum Total Work Done
The total work done is the sum of the work done to lift the motor and the work done to lift the rope: \[ W_{total} = 3000 \text{ lb-ft} + 450 \text{ lb-ft} = 3450 \text{ lb-ft}\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integral Calculus
Integral calculus is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves finding the total accumulation of a quantity, especially when dealing with continuous variables. In real-world applications, it is often used to calculate areas under curves or to determine quantities that change incrementally throughout a process.
For solving our exercise with the rope, the weight of sections of the rope changes based on their position relative to the building.
Here's why integral calculus is essential:
For solving our exercise with the rope, the weight of sections of the rope changes based on their position relative to the building.
Here's why integral calculus is essential:
- It helps to calculate the sum of continuously varying quantities, like rope sections.
- The calculus allows formulating a generalized approach to solving problems with similar patterns.
Force and Displacement
In physics, work is closely tied to two main concepts: force and displacement. When you exert a force on an object, and it moves some distance as a result, you do work. Work is calculated by multiplying the force exerted by the displacement of the object in the direction of the force.
Let's break this down further:
Let's break this down further:
- Force: It's the push or pull on an object with mass that causes it to change velocity, commonly seen as weight (mass times gravity, for our purposes).
- Displacement: This is the change in position of the object.
Rope and Pulley Systems
Rope and pulley systems are commonly used in physics problems and real-life applications. They involve lifting or moving objects with ropes, which makes use of mechanical advantage.
A few points to understand rope and pulley systems:
- They are often used to change the direction of forces or gain mechanical leverage.
- In our problem, the rope itself is subject to forces from both the load and its own weight, unlike a frictionless pulley, which is an idealization.