Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

If there are two ski lifts equal in length, weight, height, etc. with the same amount of weight on each side of the cable, with one at a 45 degree angle and the other at a flat 180 degrees will it take the same amount of power to opperate them at the same speed?

Hi Jacknoll,
I am guessing you are working on this experiment?
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p100.shtml

In order to answer your question, we have to look at the equations for Power. (Power = Force (dot) (Velocity). These are vectors quantities so you can only take credit for the power that's applied in the same direction of the velocity. When the force is applied at an angle, you will need to take that into account, i.e. cosine of the angle.

I hope that make sense. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there's anything else we can help with.

Good Luck!
Willey

LeungWilley wrote:Hi Jacknoll,
I am guessing you are working on this experiment?
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p100.shtml

In order to answer your question, we have to look at the equations for Power. (Power = Force (dot) (Velocity). These are vectors quantities so you can only take credit for the power that's applied in the same direction of the velocity. When the force is applied at an angle, you will need to take that into account, i.e. cosine of the angle.

I hope that make sense. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there's anything else we can help with.

Good Luck!
Willey

Hi i just wanna know if it would take more power or the same