Answer
a) $W_T=4.12\times10^5J$
b) $W_{mg}=-4.12\times10^5J$
Work Step by Step
The elevator moves at a constant speed, meaning the net vertical forces equal 0, or the tension in the cable and gravitational force equal each other. $$T=mg=1200\times9.8=11760N$$
a) $T$ pulls the elevator up along its displacement, so $\cos\theta=\cos0=1$. Therefore, $$W_T=Ts=11760\times35=4.12\times10^5J$$
b) $mg$ pulls the elevator down opposite from its displacement, so $\cos\theta=\cos180=-1$. Therefore, $$W_{mg}=-mgs=-4.12\times10^5J$$
