Tension on string pulling up water

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving tension in a string pulling a bucket of water upwards with a specified acceleration. The subject area is dynamics, specifically focusing on Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law to determine the tension in the string. There are questions about the correct formulation of the forces involved, particularly regarding the direction of gravitational acceleration and its representation in the equations.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in clarifying the formula for tension and the implications of different acceleration directions. Some have provided guidance on the correct application of gravitational force and its sign in the equations, while others explore hypothetical scenarios regarding downward acceleration.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the assumptions related to the direction of acceleration and the effects on the tension calculation. The participants are navigating through the implications of these assumptions without reaching a definitive conclusion.

sfgradv
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A 6-kg of water is being pulled straight up by a string. The upward acceleration of the bucket is constant, with magnitude 3 m/s^2

I need to find Tension. I have a problem getting the formula for this question. Can someone please help me? Thanks!
 
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The "formula" you need is Newton's 2nd law. To apply it, you'll need to identify the forces acting on the bucket of water.
 
Is it F = T-mg=ma?
 
Exactly right.
 
Am I supposed to plug in -9.8 since gravity is pulling it down or 9.8 since the negetive is already in the formula for g?
 
g = 9.8 m/s^2; the negative sign is already in the formula by putting the weight as "-mg".
 
What if the acceleration is downwards? Would it be T = mg - ma?

Does anyone know?
 
Last edited:
sfgradv said:
What if the acceleration is downwards? Would it be T = mg - ma?
That's correct.
 

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