In: Mechanical Engineering
2) An Elevator with a mass of 2500 Kg rests at a level 10 m above the base of an elevator shaft. It is raised to 100 m above the base of shaft, where the cable holding it breaks. The elevator falls freely to the base of the shaft and strikes a strong spring. The spring is designed to bring the elevator to rest and to hold the elevator at the position of maximum spring compression. Assuming the entire process to be frictionless, calculate:
a) The potential energy of the elevator in its position relative to the base of the shaft.
b) The work done in raising the elevator.
c) The potential energy of the elevator in its highest position relative to the base of the shaft.
d) The velocity and kinetic energy of the elevator just before it strikes the spring.
e) The potential energy of the compressed spring.