Calculate Tension in String for 1.49 kg Mass with 3.1 m/s2 Acceleration

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To calculate the tension in a string supporting a 1.49 kg mass accelerating upwards at 3.1 m/s², the equation T = m(a + g) is used, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²). An initial calculation incorrectly yielded a tension of 19.221 kN, which was later identified as incorrect due to unit confusion; the correct unit should be Newtons (N) instead of kilonewtons (kN). The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing the direction of gravitational force and correctly applying the formula. A free body diagram was suggested to visualize the forces acting on the mass. Ultimately, the mistake was clarified, emphasizing the need for careful unit conversion in physics problems.
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Homework Statement



A 1.49 kg mass is suspended from a string which is pulled upward. The mass accelerates upwards with an acceleration of 3.10 m/s2. What is the tension in the string?


Homework Equations



Fnet= T + Fg =ma

so

T = m(a + g)


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so I pluged in the numbers

T = (1.49kg)(3.1m/s2+(9.89m/s2)

and I got 19.221 kN but its wrong.

The title for this is wrong I was going to ask another question originally.
 
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3.1 m/s^2 is accelerating the mass upwards. Ask yourself, what direction is the 9.81 m/s^2 acting in? Draw a free body diagram of the forces acting on the mass.

Thanks
Matt
 
I know gravity is downwards but there is a problem in the book just like this and this is how they get to that equation.

T + Fg = ma

so since Fg is negative

T - mg =ma

T = ma+mg

T = m(a+g)

I know that gravity was negative but that's why they added mg over to the other side.
 
Yes, sorry I looked right past that. Not sure where you went wrong then. Are you close to the correct answer?

Thanks
Matt
 
It just says 19.221 kN is wrong it doesen't tell me anything else. Are my units right? I don't get why I am getting this wrong.
 
The units are correct. N = kg*m/s^2.

Not sure why it isn't right. Maybe someone can help us both out. LOL

Thanks
Matt
 
I was getting it wrong because I was putting kN instead of N. I missed that the book converted their answer to kN, Thanks I needed to see N = kg*m/s^2 to catch my mistake.
 
LOL geeze I missed it too. Whoops.

Thanks
Matt
 
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