Tension in a string along with a Pseudo force

In summary, a 50g block is suspended from the ceiling of an elevator, and the tension in the string is being calculated as the elevator goes up with an acceleration of 1.2m/s^2. The real forces acting on the mass are the tension in the string and its weight, and the resultant of these two forces is responsible for its given acceleration. There is no need for a pseudo force in this scenario. The calculated tension for a mass of 50 grams is 0.55 N, and for a mass of 5.0 kg it is 55 N.
  • #1
anantchowdhary
372
0

Homework Statement



A block of mass 50g is suspended from the ceiling of an elevator.Find the tension in the string if the elevator goes up with an acceleration of [tex]1.2m/s^2[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]F_{net}=ma_{net}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I have reached here:...but with this i don't get the books answer...The book takes net acceleration to be 0:eek:
If F be the pseudo force...then,
[tex]T-F_g-F=ma[/tex]
[tex]a=1.2[/tex]
So solving this i get an answer that differs from the one given in a problem book...that is 55N(the book's ans)

Ive realized that we get 55N if we take [tex]a_{net}=0[/tex].Now how is this possible?:confused:
 
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  • #2
The real forces that the mass experiences are the tension in the string, T, and its weight, W. The resultant of these two forces are responsible for its given acceleration. So there is no need for a pseudo force.

Also with a mass of 50 grams the tension comes to 0.55 N. A mass of 5.0 kg will give 55 N.
 
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  • #3
andrevdh said:
The real forces that the mass experiences are the tension in the string, T, and its weight, W. The resultant of these two forces are responsible for its given acceleration. So there is no need for a pseudo force.

Also with a mass of 50 grams the tension comes to 0.55 N. A mass of 5.0 kg will give 55 N.

Well...i don't seem to get the point that u have referred to...because...we certainly need a pseudo force.But i understand that relative acceleration will be zero.
 
  • #4
Depends upon your point of view. I would say there are two "forces" on the mass: one of mg= .05kg (9.8/s2)= 0.49 N downward and the "pseudo" force of ma= 0.5kg(1.2 m/s2)= 0.06 N, also downward, so that the total "force" on the spring and its tension is 0.06+ 0.49= 0.55 N.

Of course, you could also have said that there is a net "acceleration" of 11 m/s2 downward given F= ma= 0.55N.
 
  • #5
Thnx for the solution to the problem
 

1. What is tension in a string?

Tension in a string is the force that is transmitted through a string or rope when it is pulled tight by forces acting on its ends. It is the force that keeps the string in a state of equilibrium and prevents it from breaking or stretching excessively.

2. How is tension in a string calculated?

Tension in a string can be calculated using the formula T = F * sin(θ), where T is tension, F is the applied force, and θ is the angle between the string and the force. This formula applies for both horizontal and vertical strings, assuming there are no other external forces acting on the string.

3. What is a pseudo force and how does it relate to tension in a string?

A pseudo force is an apparent or fictitious force that appears to act on an object in a non-inertial frame of reference. In the case of a string with tension, a pseudo force may be present when the string is attached to an accelerating object, creating a non-inertial frame of reference. This pseudo force is equal and opposite to the tension in the string and helps maintain equilibrium.

4. How does tension in a string change with an increase in applied force?

If the applied force on a string increases, the tension in the string will also increase. This is because the string will need to withstand a greater force to maintain equilibrium. However, if the string is at its breaking point, an increase in applied force may cause the string to break.

5. Can tension in a string be negative?

No, tension in a string cannot be negative. Tension is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. A negative tension would indicate that the string is being compressed rather than stretched, which is not possible for a string. Therefore, tension is always considered to be a positive value.

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