The car lift in a gas station operates with an air pressure of 2,000 kPa. The piston of the car lift has a diameter of 30.0 cm. What is the mass of the largest car that the lift can raise?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the air pressure on the piston can be calculated using the formula:
force = pressure x area
area = πr² = π(0.15)² = 0.0707 m²
force = 2000 x 0.0707 = 141.4 kN

To find the maximum mass that the lift can raise, we need to consider the weight of the car and the weight of the lift itself. Let's assume the weight of the lift is negligible compared to the weight of the car.

mass = force / acceleration due to gravity
acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
mass = 141400 / 9.8 = 14408 kg

Therefore, the mass of the largest car that the lift can raise is 14,408 kg or approximately 14,400 kg. The best choice is D.

The Car Lift in a Gas Station Operates with an Air