Applying Newtons Laws in a 'cable car' situation

In summary, the conversation discusses an image of an alpine cable-car system and poses a question about the difference in tension between adjacent sections of the pull cable when the cars are at maximum weight and being accelerated up a 35 degree incline at 0.81 m/s^2. The conversation also suggests drawing a free-body diagram and determining the net force required for the car's acceleration and its relation to the cable tensions.
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The image shows a section of an alpine cable-car system. The maximum permissible mass of each car with occupants is 2800 kg. The cars, riding on a support cable, are pulled by a second cable attached to each pylon (support tower); assume the cables are straight. What is the difference in tension between adjacent sections of pull cable if the cars are at the maximum permissible mass and are being accelerated up the 35 degree incline at 0.81 m/s^2 ? What do I do here?
 
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Draw a free-body diagram of one of the cars. What net force is required to give the car the stated acceleration? How is that net force related to the cable tensions?
 

1. How do Newton's laws apply to a cable car?

Newton's laws of motion apply to all objects, including cable cars. The first law states that an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force. This means that a cable car will remain still or continue moving at a constant speed unless a force, such as the cable or brakes, is applied.

2. What is the role of gravity in a cable car?

Gravity plays a significant role in a cable car's movement. The force of gravity pulls the cable car towards the Earth, which causes it to accelerate downward. This acceleration is counteracted by the cable's tension, which keeps the car moving along the cable.

3. How does the cable car's speed affect the forces acting on it?

The speed of the cable car does not affect the forces acting on it. According to Newton's second law, the net force on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. Therefore, the forces acting on a cable car will depend on its mass and the acceleration caused by the cable or brakes, not its speed.

4. How do the cable and brakes work together to move the cable car?

The cable and brakes work together to control the cable car's movement. The cable provides the force needed to move the car along the cable, while the brakes help to slow down or stop the car by increasing the friction between the car and the cable. This combination of forces allows the cable car to move safely and smoothly along the cable.

5. How can we calculate the forces acting on a cable car?

The forces acting on a cable car can be calculated using Newton's second law. By knowing the mass of the cable car and the acceleration caused by the cable or brakes, we can determine the net force acting on the car. Additionally, the forces of tension in the cable and the force of gravity can also be calculated using relevant equations.

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